Important Quotes: Track the quotes that show helpful info!
Chapters 1, 2 & 3: Ships and Men, The Ciconians & The Lotus-Eaters
Page 3- "But bad luck makes good stories"
This quote is introducing us to the danger that Ulysses and his crew will face and that their hardships will form the basis of the story.
Page 5- "Ten years of war had made Ulysses' men as savage as wolves. Everyone not a shipmate was an enemy. To meet was to fight; property belonged to the winner."
This demonstrates how ruthless these men are. It is also telling us that whomever the crew will meet in their journey home to Ithaca, they will fight.
Page 15- "Ulysses kept the helm, grim and unsmiling. For he knew that what he had seen painted on the walls of his sleep was meant to come true and that he was sailing straight into a nightmare."
This quote makes you think: why did he keep sailing the same route that was in his dreams if he knew the future perils he and he crew would encounter? This shows his determination to reach Ithaca, his family, and his people.
This quote is introducing us to the danger that Ulysses and his crew will face and that their hardships will form the basis of the story.
Page 5- "Ten years of war had made Ulysses' men as savage as wolves. Everyone not a shipmate was an enemy. To meet was to fight; property belonged to the winner."
This demonstrates how ruthless these men are. It is also telling us that whomever the crew will meet in their journey home to Ithaca, they will fight.
Page 15- "Ulysses kept the helm, grim and unsmiling. For he knew that what he had seen painted on the walls of his sleep was meant to come true and that he was sailing straight into a nightmare."
This quote makes you think: why did he keep sailing the same route that was in his dreams if he knew the future perils he and he crew would encounter? This shows his determination to reach Ithaca, his family, and his people.
Chapter 4: The Cyclops' Cave
Page 17- "For here lived the Cyclopes, huge savage creatures, tall as trees, each with one eye in the middle of his forehead."
This quote describes who Ulysses and his men will be battling. It also shows that their opponents are very strange, scary and unusual creatures.
Page 22- "You four get on one side of his head, and the rest on the other side. When I give the word, lay hold of the ear on your side, each of you. And hang on, no matter how he thrashes, for I am going to put out his eye. And if I am to be sure of my stroke, you must hold his head still. One stroke is all I will be allowed."
This quote demonstrates that Ulysses is a great leader by being quick on his feet. He was able to devise a plan on the spot in order to protect his men.
Page 26- "God of the Sea, I beg you, punish Ulysses for this. Visit him with storm and shipwreck and sorceries. Let him wander many years before he reaches home, and when he gets there let him find himself forgotten, unwanted, a stranger."
This quote shows what Polyphemus said to Poseidon about Ulysses. This just adds more danger to their journey and shows that Poseidon will once again prevent them from returning home to Ithaca.
This quote describes who Ulysses and his men will be battling. It also shows that their opponents are very strange, scary and unusual creatures.
Page 22- "You four get on one side of his head, and the rest on the other side. When I give the word, lay hold of the ear on your side, each of you. And hang on, no matter how he thrashes, for I am going to put out his eye. And if I am to be sure of my stroke, you must hold his head still. One stroke is all I will be allowed."
This quote demonstrates that Ulysses is a great leader by being quick on his feet. He was able to devise a plan on the spot in order to protect his men.
Page 26- "God of the Sea, I beg you, punish Ulysses for this. Visit him with storm and shipwreck and sorceries. Let him wander many years before he reaches home, and when he gets there let him find himself forgotten, unwanted, a stranger."
This quote shows what Polyphemus said to Poseidon about Ulysses. This just adds more danger to their journey and shows that Poseidon will once again prevent them from returning home to Ithaca.
Chapter 5: Keeper of the Winds
Page 27- "Ulysses, ignorant of the mighty curse that the blind giant had fastened upon him, was beginning to hope that they might have fair sailing the rest of the war home."
This quote shows that Ulysses had high hopes for the future and was beginning to think that he might get home. At the same time, the quite hints that Ulysses may be wrong and will face great troubles ahead.
Page 31 " Ulysses of Ithaca, Yes I seem to recognize that name-believe I heard on Olympus..."
This quote shows how famous Ulysses is even with the gods. His name is spoken through many different communities.
Page 36- "Then he closed his eyes, just for a minute"
This quote demonstrates how Ulysses believed that he was done with his expedition, he was already home. This also gives a foresight of what is to come, his men will betray him and open the sack.
This quote shows that Ulysses had high hopes for the future and was beginning to think that he might get home. At the same time, the quite hints that Ulysses may be wrong and will face great troubles ahead.
Page 31 " Ulysses of Ithaca, Yes I seem to recognize that name-believe I heard on Olympus..."
This quote shows how famous Ulysses is even with the gods. His name is spoken through many different communities.
Page 36- "Then he closed his eyes, just for a minute"
This quote demonstrates how Ulysses believed that he was done with his expedition, he was already home. This also gives a foresight of what is to come, his men will betray him and open the sack.
Chapter 6: Cannibal Beach
Page 42- "All strangeness holds danger now"
This shows how Ulysses is realizing that all strange things are very dangerous now. On every island on which he has landed there has been a danger.
Page 43- "The sky paled, dawn bloomed but the sailor had not returned"
This quote gives a foresight to the future. This shows that there is likely going to be some sort of danger on the island that has resulted in the disappearance of his men.
Page 45- "Ulysses did not lose his wits"
This quote demonstrates Ulysses' bravery. It shows that even in times of great danger and struggle, he is able to thinks things through. This ultimates resulted in him saving many of his crew mates.
This shows how Ulysses is realizing that all strange things are very dangerous now. On every island on which he has landed there has been a danger.
Page 43- "The sky paled, dawn bloomed but the sailor had not returned"
This quote gives a foresight to the future. This shows that there is likely going to be some sort of danger on the island that has resulted in the disappearance of his men.
Page 45- "Ulysses did not lose his wits"
This quote demonstrates Ulysses' bravery. It shows that even in times of great danger and struggle, he is able to thinks things through. This ultimates resulted in him saving many of his crew mates.
Chapter 7: Circe
Page 51- "perhaps our luck has changed. Perhaps the god that was playing with us so spitefully has found other amusements."
This quote shows that the gods have been making Ulysses' voyage home to Ithaca so miserable, but now Ulysses thinks they might have changed their minds.
Page 51- "I am sick of the sight of sea. Even as my belly hungers for food, so do my eyes hunger for leaves and trees which might recall our dear Ithaca. And my foot longs to tread something more solid than a deck- a floor that does not pitch or toss or roll."
This shows that the crew has been gone from Ithaca for so long and they miss it so much. They are tired of sailing and being on the sea.
Page 54- "No, I am not a goddess. But I am descended firm the Immortals. I am Circe, granddaughter of Helios, a sun-god, who married Perse, daughter of Oceanus...For the sweetest spell Circe weaves is one called hospitality. I will have baths drawn for you, clean garments laid out. And when you are refreshed, you shall come and dine."
This quote shows who the beautiful lady is that lives in the palace and what she promises to do for the men that will benefit them.
Page 55- "Glut and swink, eat and drink, gobble food and guzzle wine. Too rude, I think, for humankind, quite right, I think, for swine!"
This is the spell that Circe casts on Ulysses' men. Although she was very kind to the men at first, she is actually evil.
Page 66- "And her eyes, like blue flame, burned these pictures out of his head. Then he could not rest until he was within the scent of her hair, the touch of her hand. And he would whimper impatiently like a dog dreaming, shake his head, and go to her."
This quote displays Ulysses' love for Circe. When he looks at her, he forgets his family at home in Ithaca and falls into her sweet and sinister grasp.
This quote shows that the gods have been making Ulysses' voyage home to Ithaca so miserable, but now Ulysses thinks they might have changed their minds.
Page 51- "I am sick of the sight of sea. Even as my belly hungers for food, so do my eyes hunger for leaves and trees which might recall our dear Ithaca. And my foot longs to tread something more solid than a deck- a floor that does not pitch or toss or roll."
This shows that the crew has been gone from Ithaca for so long and they miss it so much. They are tired of sailing and being on the sea.
Page 54- "No, I am not a goddess. But I am descended firm the Immortals. I am Circe, granddaughter of Helios, a sun-god, who married Perse, daughter of Oceanus...For the sweetest spell Circe weaves is one called hospitality. I will have baths drawn for you, clean garments laid out. And when you are refreshed, you shall come and dine."
This quote shows who the beautiful lady is that lives in the palace and what she promises to do for the men that will benefit them.
Page 55- "Glut and swink, eat and drink, gobble food and guzzle wine. Too rude, I think, for humankind, quite right, I think, for swine!"
This is the spell that Circe casts on Ulysses' men. Although she was very kind to the men at first, she is actually evil.
Page 66- "And her eyes, like blue flame, burned these pictures out of his head. Then he could not rest until he was within the scent of her hair, the touch of her hand. And he would whimper impatiently like a dog dreaming, shake his head, and go to her."
This quote displays Ulysses' love for Circe. When he looks at her, he forgets his family at home in Ithaca and falls into her sweet and sinister grasp.
Chapter 8: Land of the Dead
Page 71- "for those who went there did not return"
This quote shows Ulysses and his men's danger ahead of them in their voyage. It also shows that their probability of surviving past this journey to the Land of the Dead is extremely unlikely.
Page 73- "Finally, Ulysses knew he could not keep awake any longer; yet he knew too that to give over the helm to anyone else meant certain death for them all."
This quote displays Ulysses' overconfidence that gets him in trouble several times throughout his journey. It shows that he thinks very highly of himself, but not his men.
Page 73- "Follow that gull, he will lead us to where we must go."
This quote demonstrates that Ulysses might have jerked the tiller and caused Elpenor to fall off the mast. This is because right after he died, Ulysses knew exactly what to do in terms of following the gull. Then, he took a nap on the deck which he had been longing to do for several days. If Elpenor hadn't died, Ulysses wouldn't have gotten to sleep.
Page 75- "The meadow was still. No birds sang. There was no shrill of insects; the goats did not bleat. The men were too frightened to breathe."
This quote shows the eerie and creepy mood of the Land of the Dead. The brave warriors are even tremendously frightened.
Page 80- "But no matter how desperate for food they are, you must prevent them from stealing even one beef. If they do, they shall never see home again."
This quote displays how much pressure Ulysses is always put under. He is always the person that is responsible for his men's actions.
This quote shows Ulysses and his men's danger ahead of them in their voyage. It also shows that their probability of surviving past this journey to the Land of the Dead is extremely unlikely.
Page 73- "Finally, Ulysses knew he could not keep awake any longer; yet he knew too that to give over the helm to anyone else meant certain death for them all."
This quote displays Ulysses' overconfidence that gets him in trouble several times throughout his journey. It shows that he thinks very highly of himself, but not his men.
Page 73- "Follow that gull, he will lead us to where we must go."
This quote demonstrates that Ulysses might have jerked the tiller and caused Elpenor to fall off the mast. This is because right after he died, Ulysses knew exactly what to do in terms of following the gull. Then, he took a nap on the deck which he had been longing to do for several days. If Elpenor hadn't died, Ulysses wouldn't have gotten to sleep.
Page 75- "The meadow was still. No birds sang. There was no shrill of insects; the goats did not bleat. The men were too frightened to breathe."
This quote shows the eerie and creepy mood of the Land of the Dead. The brave warriors are even tremendously frightened.
Page 80- "But no matter how desperate for food they are, you must prevent them from stealing even one beef. If they do, they shall never see home again."
This quote displays how much pressure Ulysses is always put under. He is always the person that is responsible for his men's actions.
Chapter 9: The Wandering Rocks
Page 84- "Are they following us? Are they driven by some intelligence? Or are we caught in a trick of tide that moves them so?"
This quote demonstrates Ulysses and his men's uncertainty about the floating rocks.
Page 85- "I cannot bear southward around the Isle of the Sun where lurk the demons and monsters I have been warned against."
This quote shows that his advice and futurization from the ghosts were not false, but go exactly as told. Ulysses should have believed them.
This quote demonstrates Ulysses and his men's uncertainty about the floating rocks.
Page 85- "I cannot bear southward around the Isle of the Sun where lurk the demons and monsters I have been warned against."
This quote shows that his advice and futurization from the ghosts were not false, but go exactly as told. Ulysses should have believed them.
Chapter 10: The Sirens
Page 87- "But when they drew near the rocky islet and he heard the first faint strains of the Sirens' singing, then he wished he, too, had stopped his own ears with wax. All his strength suddenly surged toward the sound of those magical voices."
This quote shows how powerful and sneaky the Sirens are. Their voices are so beautiful that even Ulysses, the most powerful and cautious man of the crew, was almost lead to his death.
Page 89- "The men returned to their rowing seats, unable to hear the voices because of the wax corking their ears."
This quote shows that Ulysses is gaining trust from his men. A few chapters ago, the men would have ripped the wax out of their ears because they would have thought that Ulysses was trying to trick them. They are now learning that Ulysses knows best.
Page 89- "But their appearance did not match their voices, for they were shaped like birds, huge birds, larger than eagles."
This quote is describing the ugly and unusual creatures that sound so beautiful.
This quote shows how powerful and sneaky the Sirens are. Their voices are so beautiful that even Ulysses, the most powerful and cautious man of the crew, was almost lead to his death.
Page 89- "The men returned to their rowing seats, unable to hear the voices because of the wax corking their ears."
This quote shows that Ulysses is gaining trust from his men. A few chapters ago, the men would have ripped the wax out of their ears because they would have thought that Ulysses was trying to trick them. They are now learning that Ulysses knows best.
Page 89- "But their appearance did not match their voices, for they were shaped like birds, huge birds, larger than eagles."
This quote is describing the ugly and unusual creatures that sound so beautiful.
Chapter 11: Scylla and Charybdis
Page 92- "Thrice a day she burned with a terrible thirst and stuck her head out of the cave and drank down the sea, shrinking the waters to a shallow stream, and then spat the water out again in a tremendous torrent, making a whirlpool near her rock in which no ship could live."
This quote displays what Ulysses and his crew will encounter soon and once again shows the extreme danger of their voyage home to Ithaca.
Page 93- "Thereupon she changed Scylla into something that looked like a huge, fleshy spider with twelve legs and six heads."
This quote demonstrates the gods' immense power once again. You would have to be pretty powerful in order to turn one of the most beautiful naiads man has ever seen to one of the ugliest creatures alive.
Page 93- "Then, considering further, he turned the helm over to Eurylochus and put on his armor."
This quote proves that Ulysses is full of leadership and he wants to protect his men the best that he can.
This quote displays what Ulysses and his crew will encounter soon and once again shows the extreme danger of their voyage home to Ithaca.
Page 93- "Thereupon she changed Scylla into something that looked like a huge, fleshy spider with twelve legs and six heads."
This quote demonstrates the gods' immense power once again. You would have to be pretty powerful in order to turn one of the most beautiful naiads man has ever seen to one of the ugliest creatures alive.
Page 93- "Then, considering further, he turned the helm over to Eurylochus and put on his armor."
This quote proves that Ulysses is full of leadership and he wants to protect his men the best that he can.
Chapter 12: The Cattle of the Sun
Page 97- "If it must be, it must be. But I am holding you two directly responsible for the safety of the sun-cattle. Post guards at night night, and kill any man who goes near these fatal herds."
This quote displays Ulysses' eagerness to get home to Ithaca and he isn't going to let his crew get in the way.
Page 98- "He sent out party out in search of game, another to fill the water kegs, and a third to chop down pine trees. From the wood he pressed a fragrant sap, which was boiled in a big iron pot. Then he had the men tar the ship from stem to stern, caulking each crack."
This quote once again displays Ulysses' good leadership and shows that he will keep his crew busy in order to prevent them from eating the sun-cattle.
Page 99- "Death comes to men in all sorts of ways...well, at least we shall have had one more feast before dying."
This quote shows how doubtful the men are about Ulysses and what he says. This also shows that the men are strong and confident enough to defy their leader.
This quote displays Ulysses' eagerness to get home to Ithaca and he isn't going to let his crew get in the way.
Page 98- "He sent out party out in search of game, another to fill the water kegs, and a third to chop down pine trees. From the wood he pressed a fragrant sap, which was boiled in a big iron pot. Then he had the men tar the ship from stem to stern, caulking each crack."
This quote once again displays Ulysses' good leadership and shows that he will keep his crew busy in order to prevent them from eating the sun-cattle.
Page 99- "Death comes to men in all sorts of ways...well, at least we shall have had one more feast before dying."
This quote shows how doubtful the men are about Ulysses and what he says. This also shows that the men are strong and confident enough to defy their leader.
Chapter 13: Calypso
Page 106- "The trees were swaying, and bright flowers danced upon the meadow."
This quote is describing the island in which Calypso lives. It appears to be very cheerful and pretty.
Page 107- "She was so tall that he knew she was no mortal woman but nymph or naiad or demigoddess. She was clad in a short tunic of yellow and purple. Her hair was yellow and long and thick."
This was Ulysses' first impression of Calypso and introduces what she looks like.
Page 108- "As for your departure, that will never be. Now eat your meat and drink your wine, for I like my husbands well fed."
This quote indicates that Calypso is similar to Circe because she is treating him very well in terms of hospitality. However, she isn't going to let him leave, just like Circe.
This quote is describing the island in which Calypso lives. It appears to be very cheerful and pretty.
Page 107- "She was so tall that he knew she was no mortal woman but nymph or naiad or demigoddess. She was clad in a short tunic of yellow and purple. Her hair was yellow and long and thick."
This was Ulysses' first impression of Calypso and introduces what she looks like.
Page 108- "As for your departure, that will never be. Now eat your meat and drink your wine, for I like my husbands well fed."
This quote indicates that Calypso is similar to Circe because she is treating him very well in terms of hospitality. However, she isn't going to let him leave, just like Circe.
Chapter 14: Ino's Veil
Page 125- "Each boiling whitecap crested over him, and he was breathing more water than air. His arms grew too weak to hold the plank, and he knew that the next wave must surely take him under."
This quote demonstrates how much Poseidon wants to make Ulysses' voyage home miserable and difficult. He really seeks revenge on him for blinding his son, Polyphemus and stealing his naiads. Obviously, Poseidon is not very forgiving.
Page 126- "Can I believe her...Perhaps it's just a trick to make me leave the pitiful safety of this timber."
This quote shows how Ulysses grew very doubtful over the course of his voyage and he has trouble trusting unknown creatures.
Page 126- "Oh, well, if I must drown, let me do it boldly."
Although Ulysses is weak, he wants to be powerful mentally because he is not able to be physically strong. He knows that he will die sometime soon, but he wants to leave with dignity and strength.
This quote demonstrates how much Poseidon wants to make Ulysses' voyage home miserable and difficult. He really seeks revenge on him for blinding his son, Polyphemus and stealing his naiads. Obviously, Poseidon is not very forgiving.
Page 126- "Can I believe her...Perhaps it's just a trick to make me leave the pitiful safety of this timber."
This quote shows how Ulysses grew very doubtful over the course of his voyage and he has trouble trusting unknown creatures.
Page 126- "Oh, well, if I must drown, let me do it boldly."
Although Ulysses is weak, he wants to be powerful mentally because he is not able to be physically strong. He knows that he will die sometime soon, but he wants to leave with dignity and strength.
Chapter 15: Nausicaa
Page 131- "The gods speak in riddles. You know that. Especially when they visit us in dreams. So you must do the one clear thing she told you. Take your serving girls to the river and wash your clothes. Perhaps, if you do that, the meaning will show itself."
This quote shows how much the gods are respected by mortals. They are listened to and analyzed by them.
Page 129- "But Nausicaa, sixteen-year-old daughter of the King and Queen of Phaeacia, was hard to please, and had been turning down suitors for two years now."
This quote introduces Nausicaa and shows that she is a stubborn princess.
Page 140- "For he was filled with the wild rage that makes a man ten times stronger than he really is."
This shows that Ulysses doesn't like to be underestimated and is very competitive. When Euryalus told him that he was too old to do the dangerous sport, he was fuming until he proved him wrong.
Page 144- "A great uproar broke out. The young men cheered. The women wept."
This quote displays the appreciation and admiration that people have for Ulysses. Ulysses is very well loved for his heroic actions at the Trojan War.
This quote shows how much the gods are respected by mortals. They are listened to and analyzed by them.
Page 129- "But Nausicaa, sixteen-year-old daughter of the King and Queen of Phaeacia, was hard to please, and had been turning down suitors for two years now."
This quote introduces Nausicaa and shows that she is a stubborn princess.
Page 140- "For he was filled with the wild rage that makes a man ten times stronger than he really is."
This shows that Ulysses doesn't like to be underestimated and is very competitive. When Euryalus told him that he was too old to do the dangerous sport, he was fuming until he proved him wrong.
Page 144- "A great uproar broke out. The young men cheered. The women wept."
This quote displays the appreciation and admiration that people have for Ulysses. Ulysses is very well loved for his heroic actions at the Trojan War.
Chapter 16: The Return
Page 147- "He was home after twenty years, but it did not seem like home."
This quote shows how much Ithaca had changed when Ulysses was absent. It was very unfamiliar to him.
Page 149- "Everyone knows that he vanished on his journey home from Troy."
This quote displays how doubtful the people of Ithaca are about Ulysses coming back. Although they have no basis for saying this, they all believe that Ulysses is dead.
Page 157- He seized a footstool and smashed it over Ulysses' back. Telemachus sprang forward, blazing with anger, but Eumaeus caught his arm."
This demonstrates how caring Telemachus is forward his father.
Page 159- " What is a beggar after all? One who asks for what he has not earned, who eats others' food, uses their goods? Is this not true? If so, young sir, I think you could become a member of our guild tomorrow."
This quote displays how protective Ulysses is of his throne and his kingdom. He doesn't want just anybody to come in and take charge.
Page 172- "I promise you. I will teach you everything you have to know. I have come home."
This shows that Ulysses has the intention of staying in Ithaca and not leaving. He wishes to stay and raise his son.
This quote shows how much Ithaca had changed when Ulysses was absent. It was very unfamiliar to him.
Page 149- "Everyone knows that he vanished on his journey home from Troy."
This quote displays how doubtful the people of Ithaca are about Ulysses coming back. Although they have no basis for saying this, they all believe that Ulysses is dead.
Page 157- He seized a footstool and smashed it over Ulysses' back. Telemachus sprang forward, blazing with anger, but Eumaeus caught his arm."
This demonstrates how caring Telemachus is forward his father.
Page 159- " What is a beggar after all? One who asks for what he has not earned, who eats others' food, uses their goods? Is this not true? If so, young sir, I think you could become a member of our guild tomorrow."
This quote displays how protective Ulysses is of his throne and his kingdom. He doesn't want just anybody to come in and take charge.
Page 172- "I promise you. I will teach you everything you have to know. I have come home."
This shows that Ulysses has the intention of staying in Ithaca and not leaving. He wishes to stay and raise his son.
The End