The Adventures of Ulysses

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 18 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. After the Trojan War ends, what does Ulysses want most, and what problems already seem to stand in his way?
2. When Ulysses and his men stop on the first island after Troy, what choices do they make that lead to trouble?
3. The lotus makes sailors forget their homes. Why do you think forgetting can be dangerous in this chapter?
4. How does Ulysses use both bravery and clever thinking when he faces the Cyclops?
5. After Ulysses receives the bag of winds, why do his men open it, and what does this show about trust?
6. What makes the Laestrygonians such a dangerous enemy, and how does this event change Ulysses's journey?
7. Circe first seems like an enemy and later helps Ulysses. What lesson might Ulysses learn from his time with her?
8. When Ulysses visits the Land of the Dead, what warnings or advice does he receive, and why are they important?
9. The Sirens use their beautiful song as a trap. What is something in real life that can seem attractive but still be harmful?
10. Ulysses must choose between Scylla and Charybdis. How would you describe this choice, and what does it teach about leadership?
11. Why are the cattle of the Sun so important, and what happens when Ulysses's men ignore the warning?
12. How does Ulysses feel while he is trapped on Calypso's island, and what does this tell you about the meaning of home?
13. Nausicaa chooses to help a stranger. What does her kindness show about her character?
14. When Ulysses finally reaches Ithaca, why might it be wise for him to hide who he really is at first?
15. How has Telemachus changed while Ulysses has been gone, and what signs show he is growing up?
16. What do the loyal servants and old dog Argus show about memory, love, and loyalty?
17. During the contest of the bow, why is Ulysses the only one who can succeed, and what does the bow symbolize?
18. At the end of the story, what do Ulysses and Penelope each have to prove or understand before their family can truly be together again?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

How does Ulysses use both bravery and clever thinking when he faces the Cyclops?

I think Ulysses is brave because he does not give up even when the Cyclops traps him in the cave. He is also clever because he tells the Cyclops his name is Nobody and then finds a way to blind him. Instead of trying to win by strength, he uses a plan. This shows that being smart can be just as important as being strong.

The Sirens use their beautiful song as a trap. What is something in real life that can seem attractive but still be harmful?

One real-life example is spending too much time on video games or videos. They can be fun and exciting, but they can also keep a person from homework, sleep, or family time. Like the Sirens' song, something can look or sound great but still lead to problems. I think the chapter teaches readers to use self-control.

During the contest of the bow, why is Ulysses the only one who can succeed, and what does the bow symbolize?

Ulysses is the only one who can string the bow because it belongs to him and he has the strength and skill to use it. The suitors want his place, but they cannot do what he can do. To me, the bow symbolizes who the true king and husband is. It proves that Ulysses has finally returned to claim his home.