In the excerpt from the Odyssey, Part 1, why does Odysseus blind the Cyclops rather than kill him in his sleep?

Question

A. Odysseus and his men lack the physical strength to kill the giant.
B. Odysseus’ heart is moved by compassion for the foolish Cyclops.
C. Odysseus and his men need the Cyclops to move the stone that blocks the cave’s entrance.
D. Odysseus’ men convince him that Poseidon will curse them if they kill any of the Cyclopes.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. Odysseus and his men need the Cyclops to move the stone that blocks the cave’s entrance.

Odysseus decides to blind the Cyclops, Polyphemus, rather than kill him in his sleep because they need him to remove the boulder that blocks the cave's entrance once he is blinded, allowing them to escape.