Question

engl 354 classical lit. in translation iup, fall semester 2025 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: also print out idyll 11, annotate both verbally and visually, and include a scan/photo of this. 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\). 5. 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 backwards (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). 6. 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.) 7. 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. 8. 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:

These questions are related to the analysis of literary works "The Odyssey 9 'The Cyclops'" and "Idyll 11" by Theocritus. They involve understanding mythological creatures, personal experiences related to hospitality, and literary devices like epic - similes in the context of classical literature.

Answer:

1. Answers will vary based on individual imagination. A cyclops' single - eye, large size, and potential for violence could be intimidating.
2. Answers will vary based on personal experiences. One might notice things like the warmth of welcome, the provision of food and drink, etc.
3. Common hospitality rules could include greeting guests warmly, providing food and drink, respecting guests' privacy. In college housing, for example, not making excessive noise when a guest is over is a positive example.
4. Polyphemus violates norms such as not greeting guests, not offering food or drink, and being aggressive. For example, when he says something like "Who are you? Where from?" in a threatening manner (reference the text for exact line).
5. Passages could include those where Polyphemus lives in a cave without proper furnishings or organization, showing a primitive lifestyle. Provide page/line references from the text.
6. On page 136, find the short and long similes related to quiver and wood. On page 138, find the ones related to drill and steel and copy them with context.
7. The similes might compare Polyphemus' actions or possessions to more advanced or intelligent things that Odysseus might be associated with, highlighting his lack.
8. In "Idyll 11", find phrases where Theocritus portrays a comical or ironic side of the love - struck Polyphemus and explain how they are funny or ironic.