Odyssey books IX and X

Book IX is Odysseus' recounting of his conflict with the one-eyed Cyclops, Polyphemus. In Book X, Odysseus relates the story of the death of his men and his encounter with the goddess, Circe. Include both books in your responses to the following questions. Post your responses so everyone can read what you think.

In your opinion, does Odysseus show he is a good and revered leader in this story? Support your ideas with specific examples from both books.
Odysseus is a very good leader. He knows what to do and when to do it. He is a very wise man, although Eurylochus does not believe so. Odysseus forms plans for each of the tests he is put up to and ends up getting out of these tests. Although, not all men were saved, he still showed leadership in taking charge and forming what they were to do and how to do it. Eurylochus disagreeing with Odysseus' views and leadership states, "My sorry friends, where are we heading now? Why court catastrophe in Circe's house? She'll turn us into lions, wolves, or hogs-- and we'll be forced to guard her massive halls. So did the Cyclops catch and trap our friends-- then, too, the rash Odysseus was with them. They, too, died through the madness of this man" (205). At this Odysseus thought to kill him, but knew he was his kin by marriage so he did not.

Aristotle defines "hamartia" as a "fatal flaw" (see the Tragic Man in your purple packet). According to Aristotle, the most common tragic flaw is "supreme pride" ("hubris"). What is the tragic flaw (or flaws)of Odysseus, in your opinion? Support this with specific examples from the Mandelbaum translation.
You could say that he has supreme pride. Odysseus stands up when he gets on the ship and shows that he has a lot of pride by introducing himself as if he should be treated any better than the rest. He is a good leader, has too much pride in his accomplishments and who he is. (This will get him into a lot of trouble.) Also, he does have a belief in his own freedom. He did not kill the cattle for example, his men did. He wants his right to freedom and to go back to his home, wife, and family. He obviously has a capacity for suffering if he is going through these tests and in book X realizing that before he can go home he has to go to Hades first. Also, we have not gotten to his flashbacks that have lead u to his being stranded with Calypso. Vigorous protest is a yes also. He is against his being on the island and in general away from home. One flaw he has too is the one of infidelity. I mean yes he is away from his wife, but I believe he should remain faithful anyway.

Why is it significant that Zeus rejects the sacrifice of the best ram by Odysseus at the end of Book IX? (Consider the events of Book X)
"..Zeus, lord of all; for him I roasted thighs. But he did not accept the sacrifice: instead his mind was set-- he meant to wreck all of my sturdy ships and faithful friends" (187). I think it is significant because it foreshadows what is to come. Odysseus' adventure is not yet over then. The gods had a plan set for him, and he would have to struggle for what his men did. He would eventually make it back. That is if he has the will power to do so. It is only struggle by struggle holding him back.

Note the frequent mention of the giving or the confiscating of goods and riches. Why do you think this is significant?
It shows the power Odysseus has. He was once a king ans has great skills in almost everything that is needed. He knows how to take care of himself and others like one would during a war. (He is a great leader.)