The Odyssey Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal
3.9 out of 5, (7 ratings on Open Library)
The Odyssey has 24 chapters · 256 pages
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Inside the journal: 24 chapter pages, one question each · 3 example answers · a cover for your reader’s name
Chapter by chapter Each question is about its own chapter.
In Chapter 1, how does Athena help Telemachus begin to think differently about his father, Odysseus, and the suitors in his home?See all 24 questions ↓
About the book
Homer’s immortal epic poem is my most popular graphic novel. It retells the complete story of Odysseus’ adventures in 250 pages of fully-painted art. The text is my own adaptation, based on several different translations. As with all of my adaptations, it remains extremely faithful to the original text.
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The Odyssey questions by chapter
We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 24 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.
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Chapter 1
In Chapter 1, how does Athena help Telemachus begin to think differently about his father, Odysseus, and the suitors in his home?
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Chapter 2
In Chapter 2, why is it important that Telemachus speaks up in the assembly, and what does his journey show about him?
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Chapter 3
In Chapter 3, what does Telemachus learn from Nestor in Pylos, and how does Nestor’s welcome show the values of the ancient Greek world?
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Chapter 4
In Chapter 4, how do Menelaus and Helen help Telemachus understand more about Odysseus and the long journey home from Troy?
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Chapter 5
In Chapter 5, what challenges does Odysseus face when he leaves Calypso’s island, and what do those challenges show about his strength?
Example answer: Odysseus has to leave Calypso’s island on a raft, but the sea is very dangerous. Poseidon sends a storm that breaks his raft and almost drowns him. I think this shows that Odysseus is strong because he keeps trying even when he is exhausted and scared. He does not give up on getting home.
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Chapter 6
In Chapter 6, how does Nausicaa treat Odysseus when she finds him, and what does her behavior tell you about her character?
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Chapter 7
In Chapter 7, why does Odysseus ask Queen Arete and King Alcinous for help, and how do the Phaeacians respond to him?
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Chapter 8
In Chapter 8, how do the songs, games, and feasting in Phaeacia affect Odysseus, and what do they reveal about his feelings?
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Chapter 9
In Chapter 9, how does Odysseus use cleverness against Polyphemus the Cyclops, and what mistake does he make afterward?
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Chapter 10
In Chapter 10, how do Odysseus and his men react to the dangers of Aeolus, the Laestrygonians, and Circe, and what can you learn from their choices?
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Chapter 11
In Chapter 11, what does Odysseus learn from the spirits in the Underworld, and why is this part of the journey serious and important?
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Chapter 12
In Chapter 12, how does Odysseus try to lead his men past the Sirens, Scylla, Charybdis, and the cattle of the Sun, and where do his plans succeed or fail?
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Chapter 13
In Chapter 13, how does Odysseus’s return to Ithaca feel different from what he might have expected, and why does Athena disguise him?
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Chapter 14
In Chapter 14, what does Odysseus learn while staying with Eumaeus the swineherd, and why might loyalty matter in this chapter?
Example answer: While Odysseus stays with Eumaeus, he learns that Eumaeus is still loyal to him even though Odysseus has been gone for many years. Eumaeus is kind to the disguised stranger and talks sadly about his missing master. Loyalty matters because Odysseus needs to know who he can trust in Ithaca. This chapter made me respect Eumaeus because he does the right thing even when no one is rewarding him.
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Chapter 15
In Chapter 15, how does Telemachus’s trip back toward Ithaca build suspense, especially with the suitors planning against him?
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Chapter 16
In Chapter 16, how does the reunion between Odysseus and Telemachus change the story, and what does their planning show about them?
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Chapter 17
In Chapter 17, what do Odysseus’s experiences as a beggar in his own home reveal about the suitors and the servants?
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Chapter 18
In Chapter 18, how does Odysseus show self-control when people insult or challenge him, and why is that self-control useful?
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Chapter 19
In Chapter 19, what makes the meeting between Penelope and the disguised Odysseus emotional, and how does the scar add tension?
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Chapter 20
In Chapter 20, what signs, dreams, or warnings appear, and how do they make the reader feel about what may happen next?
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Chapter 21
In Chapter 21, why is the contest with Odysseus’s bow such a powerful test, and what does the bow symbolize?
Example answer: The bow contest is powerful because only the true Odysseus has the strength and skill to use the bow correctly. The suitors want Penelope, but they cannot even do this one task. To me, the bow symbolizes Odysseus’s identity and his place as the real king of his home. When he strings it, it feels like the truth is finally coming out.
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Chapter 22
In Chapter 22, how do Odysseus and his allies finally face the suitors, and what questions does this chapter raise about justice?
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Chapter 23
In Chapter 23, how does Penelope test Odysseus, and why is trust so important before their reunion can feel complete?
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Chapter 24
In Chapter 24, how does the ending bring together revenge, family, and peace, and what message do you think the story leaves readers with?
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How to use this The Odyssey reading journal
At home, as a discussion guide
After each chapter your reader writes a few lines on that chapter’s question. Read the answer together at bedtime: it shows what they understood and gives you something real to talk about, without a quiz.
In class, as a novel study
Print a class set (booklets fold from plain letter paper) and use one question per chapter as the reading-response or literature-circle prompt. The example answers at the front show what a full answer looks like.
Homeschool
One booklet covers the whole book, 24 chapters, so it doubles as the reading log for The Odyssey. Reword any question before printing to match your reader.
Printing
The booklet PDF prints on ordinary 8.5 × 11 paper: print double-sided (flip on the short edge) at 100%, fold the stack in half and staple on the fold. There is also a one-page-per-sheet PDF and A5 binder pages.
Where the questions come from
Each question is about its own chapter. We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. The questions were drafted with AI from what is known about the book and checked before publishing; every one is editable before you print.