Wacky Wordsmith

Name: Steven Marc T. Chua

Text: Chapter 9 - 12
Date: August 18, 2010
Books: The Odyssey of Homer

Wacky Wordsmith: As the author of the two most famous epics in ancient Greek
literature, Homer helped define the Western World's vocabulary landscape. Your task is
to look for at least TEN WONDER WORDS, important words or phrases in the text which
you deem crucial to the text. If you find words that are puzzling or unfamiliar, list them
down in the second table, “NEW TO MY VOCABULARY”. Record the meaning that you
came up with and indicate its significance. Include words that you consider significant or
crucial to the text. When your circle meets, discuss the words, the reason(s) why you
think they are Wonder Words, and how you came up with their meaning. Ask them to
suggest additional Wonder Words to your list.

“WONDER Book # Definition and Significance

WORDS”
So that I must 9 The people are asking Odysseus to reveal
mourn and grieve his identity and introduce himself, which will
even more lead to Odysseus’ sorrow.

He heaved up 9 “Describing someone enormous” This

and set into passage describes the physical appearance
position the huge of the Cyclops, Polyphemos.
door stop

Feeding on 9 “Carnivorous species” This passage

human flesh describes the Cyclops as dangerous and
cruel beings.

But he then 9 “Praying to Poseidon” Polyphemos prayed

called to the lord to his father to curse Odysseus.
Poseidon

Brazen 10 This passage describes the beast that a god

spearhead sent when Odysseus was on his way back to
his companions. “It says here the dangers
and hardships can be seen anywhere.”
Whom the 10 We could see here that Circe is an evil
goddess had goddess that has the capability of making
given evil drugs evil and enchanted drugs.
and enchanted

10 This signifies that some of his men don’t

And the bold trust Odysseus that much anymore because
Odysseus was of of the incident in Polyphemos’ cave where
their company; his companions were eaten and died.
for it was by this
man’s
recklessness that
these too
perished.
Came to me the 11 This line tells us that Odysseus is in the
soul of underworld.

Holding a staff of 11 “Golden staff might mean the holder must

gold have golden knowledge or the owner must
be smart.” This tells us that Teiresias the
Theban is telling the truth about Odysseus’
life.

Unlimited meat 12 “Happiness and regaining their strengths”

and sweet wine We could see that Circe is giving comfort
and helping Odysseus with their plan.

The sea would 12 “The sea is raging with waves and

boil up in turbulence” In here we would see Skylla
turbulence being destructive.

“NEW TO MY Book # Definition and Significance

VOCABULARY”
Eminent 9
 Standing above others in some quality or
position

9
Populace Common People/Masses

9
Wickerwork work consisting of interlaced pliant twigs or
branches

10
Vexed Debate

Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online (http://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/)