Wacky Wordsmith

Name: Lance Tanganco___________________

Text: The Odyssey______________________
Date: August 16, 2010___________________
Books: Books 9 – 12______________________

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”
leaf-trembling Line 22 I think the meaning of the word is
Book 9 movement from the leaves of the trees in
the mountains.
It is important because there might be other
people living there or just plain animals
moving.
ambrosia Line 359 The meaning of ambrosia is the food of the
Book 9 gods. This word is important because it
shows that the cyclops stil value the gods.
bulwark Line 556 The meaning of bulwark is a defensive wall.
Book 11 Aias described Odysseus as a strong warrior
like a defensive wall.
gorgonish Line 635 The meaning of gorgonish is a like a fierce,
Book 11 frightening or repulsive woman like Medusa.
It described how Hades looked like.
gale Line 313 The meaning of gale is a very strong wind.
Book 12 Zeus showed his power by making storms
with very strong winds.
 “NEW TO MY Book # Definition and Significance
VOCABULARY”
eminent Line 2 The meaning of eminent is famous and
Book 9 respected within a particular sphere or
profession. It shows that Alkinoos is popular
and respected in his kingdom.
populace Line 6 The meaning of populace is the people
Book 9 living in a particular country or area.
unyoking Line 58 The meaning of unyoking is release (a pair
Book 9 of animals) from a yoke.
vermillion Line 125 The meaning of vermillion is a brilliant red
Book 9 pigment made from mercury sulfide
(cinnabar).
It shows that the cyclopes does not look like
humans.
hawser Line 136 The meaning of hawser is a thick rope or
Book 9 cable for mooring or towing a ship. It also
shows that cyclopes does not have the
capability to build ships.
foliage Line 186 The meaning of foliage is plant leaves,
Book 9 collectively.

bludgeon Line 321 The meaning of bludgeon is a thick stick

Book 9 with a heavy end, used as a weapon.
ordure Line 329 The meaning of ordure is excrement or
Book9 dung.