1. The Odyssey By Homer
Trojan War :
From Troy, the winds sweep him and his men to Ismarus, city of the Cicones. The men plunder the land and, carried away by greed, stay until the reinforced ranks of the Cicones turn on them and attack. Odysseus and his crew finally escape, having lost six men per ship.

2. Calypso (Actually O’s 14th stop before home)
Summary:
33–66. There is a great deal of nature imagery in this episode. Jot down some of the images that help you see Hermes’ flight.
What images describing Calypso’s island appeal to your senses of sight, hearing, and smell?
How does the natural beauty of Calypso’s island compare with the reality of Odysseus’s situation?
88–91. Zeus ordered Calypso to free Odysseus, but the nymph claims that the idea is her own. Why do you think she does this?
What is your opinion of her deception?
Reading Skills
Speculating. Considering their similarity in appearance and emotions, what do you think distinguishes humans from gods?
101–118. According to Calypso, what would Odysseus gain by staying with her?
What does Odysseus’s response tell you about his feelings for his wife?
How has Odysseus managed to say no to Calypso and still not offend her?

3. “I am Laertes’ son…” (Actually O’s 15th stop before going home)
Odysseus narrates his adventures to Phaeacians before returning to Ithaca (his home)
Summary:
152–160. What do you think of the way Odysseus and his men behave toward the Cicones?
Do armies behave like this in modern times?

4. The Lotus Eaters: O’s 3rd Stop
Summary:
204–215. Why does Odysseus tie down the three men?
What does this action tell you about him?

5. The Cyclops: O’s 4th Stop
Summary:
289–295. Why doesn’t Odysseus kill the Cyclops at this moment?
What factors must Odysseus consider in devising a successful plan of escape?
421–442. Explain Odysseus’s trick.
What do you visualize happening in this scene?
538. Take a few minutes to list what you think are the highlights of Odysseus’s journey so far.
What questions do you have?
What do you think will happen next?

6. The Enchantress, Circe: O’s 7th Event
Summary:
5th Stop : Odysseus arrived on the island of Aeolia, ruled by the god Aeolus, Keeper of the Winds. Here, he was a guest for few days. Aeolus lived on the island with his wife, as well as his six sons and six daughters.
6th Stop : Lacking wind, the Achaeans row to the land of the Laestrygonians, a race of powerful giants whose king, Antiphates, and unnamed queen turn Odysseus's scouts into dinner. Odysseus and his remaining men flee toward their ships, but the Laestrygonians pelt the ships with boulders and sink them as they sit in the harbor.

7. The Land of the Dead Summary:
659–716. According to Circe, what dangers lie ahead for Odysseus and his crew?
List the dangers in order from least severe to most severe, and give your reasons for placing the threats in this order.

8. The Sirens
Summary:
770–793. Write about what kind of leader Odysseus is.
What does he tell his men, to reassure them?
What does he decide not to tell them? Why?

9. Scylla & Charybdis: O’s encounter 11 & 12 (at the same time)
Summary:
843. Suppose you wanted to write a screenplay dramatizing this famous part of the Odyssey—the crew’s struggle against the Sirens and against Scylla and Charybdis.
Who would be your main characters?
How would you use music and visuals—especially in the Sirens scene?
Write down your ideas about filming the epic.

10. The Cattle of the Sun God: 13th Stop
Summary:
878–894. What is Eurylochus’s “insidious plea”?
If you were a member of the crew, would you be swayed by this argument, or would you heed Odysseus’s warning?
Why?
Do you think murdering the cattle is justified, or is it an offense against the god Helios? Explain.