Greek Epics XXXIV: Odyssey Book 9, or Vizzini Told Me to Go Back to the Beginning

Posted byTriumvir ClioPosted inGreek Epics, The Greeks

In Book 8, Alkinoös asks Odysseus to tell his tale, and in Book 9, that tale finally starts. This is probably what you were thinking The Odyssey would be about.

Discussion Prompts
  1. AP Credit: The mistake Odysseus’s men make with the Kikonês is not the original plunder; it is that they are too greedy. What does this say about ancient Greek values? Does this say anything about life today? How does this lesson translate to life today?
  2. The Lotos Eaters as a representation of drug addiction: Discuss.
  3. If you were Odysseus, would you have left the safety of the uninhabited island to plunder the Kyklopês? Why or why not?
  4. What do you think is in that alcohol Odysseus uses to get Polyphêmos drunk?
  5. What do you think of our hero so far? Why?
  6. Do you trust Odysseus? Why or why not?

Published by Triumvir Clio

I have a BA in History and Classical Civilization from Loyola University Chicago and an MPH from Western Michigan University. I've been a geometry teacher, a religion teacher, a writing tutor. I'm a writer, a knitter, a dancer, a singer, an actor. And, yes, for fun I like to reread everything that was assigned while getting my classics degree.

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