Close reading assessment The Odyssey Part I Close reading assessment

DIRECTIONS SHORT RESPONSES: To successfully complete the first section of the assessment, you will need to answer each of the following questions with several complete sentences. For most questions, no more than a paragraph should be a sufficient response. EXTENDED RESPONSE: To successfully complete the final section of the assessment, you will need to write about three paragraphs (obviously with complete sentences), but no more than five.

Part One: General Understanding Question One: While on Ismarus, in what ways do Odysseus’ men disobey orders? What is the result of this disobedience? Question Two: In the episode of the Lotus-Eaters, how does Odysseus handle the men who ate the lotus? What does Odysseus seems to understand that his men do not?

Part Two: Key Details Question Three: What did Odysseus receive on Ismarus that would be an essential element in his escape from Polyphemus (Cyclops)? Question Four: How do Odysseus and his men expect to be treated by Polyphemus? How does this compare to how they were actually received? Question Five: Who is so angered by Odysseus’ actions against Polyphemus? How does this affect the course of the story?

Part Three: Vocab and Text Structure Question Six: How does the company’s “plunder” of the island of Ismarus compare to or contrast from the way they obtained Polyphemus’ rams and Helios’ cattle? Question Seven: Why does the poem change form on pg. 1072? What is the message of the Sirens?

Part Four: Inferences and Author’s Purpose Question Eight: What event enabled the crew to slaughter Helios’ cattle? Could Odysseus have prevented this and saved their lives, or were the consequences unavoidable? Question Nine: In the final stanza of part one (pg. 1082), we are reminded Odysseus has an audience for his story. What does this reveal about the author’s purpose in The Odyssey? If you were listening to Odysseus’ story, what would your reaction be?

Part Five: Opinions ESSAY PORTION: This final question requires a multi-paragraph response. Return to the text to find examples where Odysseus’ actions either prove him to be a hero, or might argue that he hasn’t been. What characteristics does your text suggest are required of a hero? In your opinion, is Odysseus fulfilling them? Use specific examples from the text to back up your claim. About three paragraphs should be a sufficient response.