Class 10 Chapter 3: Ulysses and the Cyclops

Class 10 English Question and Answer Karnataka State Board Syllabus

Class 10 English Supplementary Chapter 3

Ulysses and the Cyclops

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Comprehension I. Ulysses and the Cyclops

Question 1:
Who were the Cyclops?
Answer:
The Cyclops were massive shepherds who resided in caves on the rugged mountain peaks.

Question 2:
Pick any five details to show that they were not civilized.

Answer:
1. The Cyclops neither cultivated nor plowed their land; yet, the earth naturally provided them with abundant wheat, barley, and grapes.
2. They had no knowledge of making bread or wine, nor did they engage in farming or show any interest in learning.
3. They lived individually, without laws, governance, or any form of organized society.
4. Their homes were caves in the mountains, with each man ruling over his household as he pleased.
5. They neither possessed ships nor boats, had no trade relations, and displayed no desire to explore or connect with other lands.

Question 3:
Why did Ulysses and his men enter the Cyclops’ dwelling?

Answer:
Ulysses, accompanied by twelve selected men, ventured into the Cyclops’ domain to investigate what kind of inhabitants lived there—whether they were hospitable and welcoming to visitors or entirely untamed and fierce.

Question 4:
How strong was the Greek wine?

Answer:
The Greek wine was exceptionally potent, requiring a mixture of twenty parts water for every part of wine before it could be consumed. Even then, its aroma was so enticing that merely smelling it would make a person long to taste it. Those who did taste it found themselves emboldened with courage, capable of performing heroic acts.

Question 5:
How did Ulysses introduce himself and his group to the Cyclops?

Answer:
Ulysses explained that they had not arrived with the intent to steal or conduct trade but were Greeks who had lost their way while returning from Troy. He acknowledged the Cyclops’ superior strength and, out of respect, he and his men humbly bowed before him.

Question 6:
What terrifying response did the Cyclops give to Ulysses’ request for hospitality?

Answer:
Without uttering a word, the Cyclops seized two of Ulysses’ men as if they were mere children. He violently smashed their heads against the ground, tore them apart limb by limb, and devoured them while they were still warm and trembling—feasting like a wild beast, even drinking their blood.

Question 7:
What stopped Ulysses from attacking the Cyclops with his sword?

Answer:
As the Cyclops lay asleep among his goats, Ulysses felt tempted to draw his sword and plunge it into the chest of the monstrous being. However, he quickly realized that killing the Cyclops at that moment would leave them trapped inside the cave, as only the Cyclops had the strength to move the massive stone blocking the entrance.

Question 8:
How did Ulysses demonstrate that intelligence triumphs over brute strength?

Answer:
Instead of relying on sheer force, Ulysses devised a clever strategy to weaken the Cyclops and secure their escape. He selected a sturdy wooden stake from the pile of firewood, carved it into a sharp point, and hardened it in the fire. Then, he carefully chose four men, assigned them roles in his plan, and ensured they were well-prepared to execute it successfully.

Question 9:
What ‘gift’ did the Cyclops promise Ulysses in return for the wine?

Answer:
The Cyclops was greatly pleased by the taste of the wine, as it was something he had never experienced before. Eager for more, he continued drinking and, in his drunken state, asked Ulysses to reveal his name so he could grant him a reward. When Ulysses cleverly responded that his name was “Noman,” the Cyclops declared that his gift would be to eat Ulysses—but only after devouring all of his companions first.

Question 10:
How did the courageous Greeks blind the Cyclops?

Answer:
Ulysses waited patiently until the Cyclops had fallen into a deep, drunken stupor. Then, rallying his men, they placed the pointed end of the stake into the fire until it glowed red-hot. Summoning all their strength, the four men drove the scorching spear into the giant’s single eye, blinding the monstrous creature as he lay helpless and intoxicated.

Question 11:
Why didn’t the other Cyclops come to Polyphemus’ aid when he cried out for help?

Answer:
When the neighboring Cyclops heard Polyphemus’ cries and rushed over to find out what was wrong, he called out from inside the cave, saying that “Noman” had harmed him and that “Noman” was with him. Misinterpreting his words, they assumed he was alone and that no real person had attacked him. Believing his suffering was caused by illness rather than an intruder, they left without offering any help.

Question 12:
How did Ulysses assist his men in escaping the cave?

Answer:
Ulysses devised a clever plan using the strong osier twigs on which the Cyclops usually slept. He tied the sturdiest and woolliest rams together in groups of three and secured one of his men beneath the middle ram. As the sheep naturally moved toward their usual grazing fields, the hidden men were carried out of the cave undetected.

Question 13:
How did Ulysses manage to escape from the cave himself?

Answer:
Ulysses clung tightly to the thick wool of the largest and most majestic ram in the flock. As the sheep exited the cave, Polyphemus, who was stationed at the entrance, ran his hands over their woolly backs to ensure no one was escaping. However, he failed to realize that Ulysses was concealed beneath the belly of the last ram. Though he paused to feel the animal more closely, he remained unaware of the Greek hero hidden beneath it.

Question 14:
How did Ulysses finally reveal his true identity to the Cyclops?

Answer:
At the end of the encounter, Ulysses declared his real name, introducing himself as “Ulysses, son of Laertes,” the ruler of Ithaca and a conqueror of cities.

II. Do you recall any story from our epics where a hero defeats a wicked giant? Share the story with the class.
Answer:
One well-known story from Indian mythology is about Bhima slaying Bakasura. Another is the tale of Lord Krishna defeating the demoness Putana. These stories highlight the triumph of courage and wisdom over evil forces.

Ulysses and the Cyclops
Summary

Class 10 English Supplementary Chapter 3: Ulysses and the Cyclops
Class 10 English Supplementary Chapter 3: Ulysses and the Cyclops

Ulysses, the son of Laertes and the ruler of Ithaca in Greece, set out on his journey home after the Trojan War. During his voyage, he and his men arrived at a cave that appeared roughly constructed. Since the owner was absent, they decided to stay there for the day.

As night fell, a loud rumbling sound echoed through the cave—the cave’s owner had returned. He was a Cyclops named Polyphemus, a towering, one-eyed giant who had been out grazing his sheep and goats. The Grecians, sensing danger, hid in the farthest corners of the cave, watching as the Cyclops herded his animals inside and sealed the entrance with a massive boulder.

After milking his flock, Polyphemus spotted Ulysses’ men lurking in the shadows. Without hesitation, he grabbed two of them, smashed their heads, and devoured them, being a savage cannibal. Satisfied, he then lay down to sleep.

Ulysses considered killing him right away but quickly realized that neither he nor his men had the strength to move the enormous stone blocking the exit. The next morning, as Polyphemus left with his sheep, he rolled the boulder back into place, trapping the Greeks inside once again.

Seizing this opportunity, Ulysses devised a clever plan to outsmart the Cyclops. That evening, when Polyphemus returned, Ulysses offered him some strong wine. The Cyclops drank greedily, soon becoming intoxicated, and collapsed into a deep slumber.

This was the moment Ulysses had been waiting for. With the help of four of his men, he took a sharpened stake, heated it in the fire, and drove it into the monster’s single eye, blinding him. Polyphemus roared in agony, calling out for help. When nearby Cyclopes rushed to check on him, he told them that “Noman” had hurt him—Ulysses had tricked him by giving this false name earlier. Misunderstanding his words, the other Cyclopes assumed he was unharmed and left.

The next morning, as Polyphemus, now blind, removed the boulder to let his flock out, Ulysses and his men, who had tied themselves beneath the sheep’s thick wool, escaped undetected. As the sheep walked out, so did the hidden Greeks—free at last from the monstrous giant’s grasp.

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