Question

ingl 154 classical lit in translation
iup, fall semester 2023
unit 1 application and integration:
homer, odyssey 9 \the cyclops\ and theocritus, idyll 11
directions, all levels: read the odyssey book 9, \the cyclops\ (knox 127 - 42) and idyll 11 by theocritus (handout) and answer the following items on separate sheets. shine

1. what to you is the most intimidating or scary thing about a cyclops? (look up this mythological creature if you need help imagining what it is.)
2. recall a time when strangers were invited to come into your home as guests when you were younger, and describe the occasion. what did you notice about the way they were (or werent) made welcome or to feel at home?
3. in general, and in your own opinion, what are some of the most long - standing or universal rules or principles for having guests over, and how have you noticed these rules of hospitality playing out in your own college housing situation(s) (or other adult living experiences with roommates and/or apartments)? snap/safe/shine; list at least 1/2/3 of these principles, each illustrated with a college housing (etc.) connection from your experience (could have been reported to you secondhand, if really flagrant or noteworthy). these connections could be positive examples (\what we should do\) or negative examples (\what we shouldnt do\)

4 what norms of hospitality or other good manners do you see polyphemus (the cyclops) violating when he encounters odysseus in his home? snap/safe shine; list at least 1/2/3 of these, with a line or page references for each; if appropriate, include a quotation of a word or phrase that connects to polyphemuss impoliteness (skip quote if negative/doesnt do).

1. besides \being a really bad host,\ homer (speaking through the voice of odysseus in this section) enunciates various aspects of the cyclops culture and standard of living that are meant to sound primitive or backward (at least from the \advanced\ ancient human point of view). snap/safe/shine; locate at least 1/2/3 passages in the polyphemus episode where \primitivism\ is on display or being observed, and copy them down, each with a title that indicates \whats wrong with this picture\ (add page/line references to each as well).
2. epic similes (look up if unfamiliar!) often \team up\ in dramatic or vivid passages. locate the two similes on p. 136, one short and one longer (hints: quiver and wood) and the two on p. 138 (hints: drill and steel) and copy down each of them in enough context to make sense. (remember that homers epic similes are always two - sided: something is described in the narrative, and then something else is imagined, to draw a comparison - and sometimes there is a quick follow - up phrase to get us back to the main action.)
3. snap/safe/shine: list 1/2/3 specific ways you see the above similes highlighting polyphemuss lack of intelligence and/or lack of technology compared to odysseus.
4. idyll 11 portrays a much younger, love - struck polyphemus. snap/safe/shine: copy down 1/2/3 phrases/passages where you see theocritus being funny or ironic, and say how.

Explanation:

This set of questions is related to analyzing literary works - The Odyssey book 9 "The Cyclops" and Idyll 11 by Theocritus. It involves understanding mythological creatures, drawing connections to real - life hospitality experiences, analyzing characters' behavior in terms of hospitality norms, identifying literary devices like epic similes, and finding humor or irony in the text.

Answer:

1. Answers will vary based on individual imagination. A cyclops could be intimidating due to its large size, single - eye, and brute strength.
2. Answers will vary based on personal experiences. One might describe the atmosphere, the actions of the hosts and guests, etc.
3. Common hospitality rules could include greeting guests warmly, providing food and drink, etc. In a college housing situation, examples could be sharing common spaces fairly or respecting privacy.
4. Polyphemus violates norms like not offering food or drink to guests, being aggressive. For example, when he eats some of Odysseus' men, it shows a lack of hospitality. (Reference: Odyssey book 9, various lines)
5. Passages showing "primitivism" could be those where Polyphemus' lack of civilized behavior is shown, like his lack of proper housing arrangements or his wild eating habits. (Reference: Odyssey book 9, specific lines to be located)
6. On p. 136 and p. 138, the epic similes should be copied down with context as described in the instructions.
7. The similes might highlight Polyphemus' lack of intelligence by comparing his actions to more primitive or less - intelligent things, and his lack of technology compared to Odysseus.
8. Passages in Idyll 11 showing humor or irony should be copied down and the reasons for their humor or irony explained.