Its just a comparison between the sea and a cauldron
a visual representation of the sea’s anger'
But I clung grimly, thinking my mast and keel
would come back to the surface when she spouted.
And ah! how long, with what desire, I waited!
till, at the twilight hour, when one who hears
and judges pleas in the marketplace all day
between contentious men, goes home to supper,
the long poles at last reared from the sea.
Answer the questions to analyze the epic simile.
What is Odysseus being compared to?
What theme does this comparison suggest?
In the passage, Odysseus is being compared to someone who is waiting and longing for something important to happen, similar to how a judge at the marketplace waits to go home to supper after a long day of resolving disputes.
What is Odysseus being compared to?
Odysseus is being compared to a judge who listens to the pleas of contentious men throughout the day and eagerly anticipates his return home to supper. This highlights his sense of endurance and the emotional toll of his waiting.
What theme does this comparison suggest?
This comparison suggests themes of longing, perseverance, and the anticipation of relief or resolution. It emphasizes the struggle and patience required in Odysseus's journey, as well as the hope he holds onto as he awaits the moment when he can finally reclaim his ship and return to safety. The comparison underlines the emotional weight of his experiences and the idea that even in dire circumstances, there is a desire for normalcy and the comforts of home.
Answer the questions to analyze the epic simile.
What is Odysseus being compared to?
✔ a hardworking merchant
What theme does this comparison suggest?
✔ Having patience is tough but can lead to a reward.
1.Read the excerpt from Part 1 of The Odyssey.
And this new grief we bore with us to sea:
our precious lives we had, but not our friends.
No ship made sail next day until some shipmate
had raised a cry, three times, for each poor ghost
unfleshed by the Cicones on that field.
What theme is best revealed by this conflict?
Sadness can destroy people.
One must mourn before moving on.
Many lives are lost too soon in battle.
People are haunted by lost souls.
2. What theme is Homer presenting when Odysseus’s men forget about going home after eating the lotus in Part 1 of The Odyssey?
Physical superiority is a great advantage.
Pleasures make people neglect their long-term goals.
The comforts of home are treasured during hardship.
Personal reflection brings wisdom and insight.
3. Read this paragraph.
Sitting on the porch swing with her eyes closed and her headphones on, Ana saw her mother leaning out of the kitchen door. Her mom gestured for her to remove her headphones and said, "I'd like you to complete your homework before you begin lounging around this afternoon."
"I just need a break, Mom," Ana replied.
"There may be time for a break later, but algebra needs your attention now," insisted her mother as she turned and headed inside.
With a deep sigh, Ana removed her headphones. She reached for her discarded backpack, wishing she could have just a little unstructured time.
What is the conflict in the excerpt?
character versus self
character versus character
character versus society
character versus nature
4. Read the excerpt from Part 2 of The Odyssey.
‘Why not
take these cheeses, get them stowed, come back,
throw open all the pens, and make a run for it?
We'll drive the kids and lambs aboard. We say
put out again on good salt water!'
Ah,
how sound that was! Yet I refused. I wished
to see the caveman, what he had to offer—
no pretty sight, it turned out, for my friends.
What theme is supported by the excerpt?
It is important to see new sights.
People should indulge their curiosities.
It is wise to follow the counsel of trusted friends.
People should trust their instincts.
5. Read this paragraph.
Claire marveled at her little brother’s flawless dive. It looked effortless now, but she knew he had spent weeks perfecting the arch of his body and the point of his toes. She wanted to have a dive like that—the type people stop and watch. Still, she could not bring herself to attempt it. After all, her brother’s first twenty or so dives had been awful, with knees and elbows flailing. Claire shuddered to imagine looking like that in clear view of the entire pool population. And the whole head-first concept seemed intimidating. She wondered if her hands would reach the bottom of the pool. Maybe some day. But for now, she decided she would just watch.
What is the conflict in the excerpt?
character versus self
character versus character
character versus society
character versus nature
6. Read the excerpt from Part 2 of The Odyssey.
(Odysseus):
'We would entreat you, great Sir, have a care
for the gods' courtesy; Zeus will avenge
the unoffending guest.'
He answered this
from his brute chest, unmoved.
(Cyclops):
'You are a ninny,
or else you come from the other end of nowhere,
telling me, mind the gods! We Cyclopes
care not a whistle for your thundering Zeus.'
What theme is best revealed by this conflict?
It is important to use manners in new situations.
It is wise to know the enemy you face.
Guests should honor the traditions of their hosts.
Guests should offer gifts to their hosts.
7. Read the excerpt from Part 4 of The Odyssey.
and on our starboard beam Charybdis, dire
gorge of the salt seatide. By heaven! when she
vomited, all the sea was like a cauldron
seething over intense fire, when the mixture
suddenly heaves and rises.
Which statement best explains the simile in this excerpt?
The sea is compared to a boiling pot, emphasizing its churning.
The sea is compared to a boiling pot, emphasizing its depth.
The sea is compared to heaven, emphasizing its strength.
The sea is compared to heaven, emphasizing its size.
8. Read the excerpt from Part 2 of The Odyssey.
his chores being all dispatched, he caught
another brace of men to make his breakfast,
and whisked away his great door slab
to let his sheep go through—but he, behind,
reset the stone as one would cap a quiver.
Which statement best explains the simile in this excerpt?
The Cyclops’ effort to catch the men is compared to a simple task, showing his strength.
The Cyclops’ effort to catch the men is compared to a simple task, showing his bravery.
The Cyclops’ effort to move the stone is compared to a simple task, showing his strength.
The Cyclops’ effort to move the stone is compared to a simple task, showing his bravery.
9. Read the excerpt from Part 1 of The Odyssey.
My men were mutinous,
fools, on stores of wine. Sheep after sheep they
butchered by the surf, and shambling cattle,
feasting,—while fugitives went inland, running
to call to arms the main force of Cicones.
This was an army, trained to fight on horseback
or, where the ground required, on foot. They came
with dawn over that terrain like the leaves
and blades of spring.
What theme is supported by the excerpt?
The victors of war earn rewards.
The fugitives of war suffer in isolation.
Soldiers should take proper care of their horses.
Soldiers must be wary of their enemies.
10. Read the excerpt from Part 1 of The Odyssey.
Now Zeus the lord of cloud roused in the north
A storm against the ships, and driving veils of squall
moved down like night on land and sea.
The bows went plunging at the gust;
sails cracked and lashed out strips in the big wind.
We saw death in that fury, dropped the yards,
unshipped the oars, and pulled for the nearest lee:
then two long days and nights we lay offshore.
What theme is best revealed by this conflict?
With cooperation, crews can defeat the gods.
Dangerous ocean travel claims many lives.
Rest is required for all who work hard.
People must respect the wrath of the gods.
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