1. The Odyssey -Homer

2. The Odyssey Who was Homer?
Legendary Greek poet
Credited with writing Iliad and the Odyssey
Tradition says that he was blind
No one knows where he was born
Scholars debate whether he was real or not

3. The Odyssey What is an Epic?
An epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society.
Tend to be too long to read or performed in a single sitting
Stylistically elevated- characters speak ceremoniously
Always deal with persons and events that are considered to be historically real by the poet and their audience
They are a “Tale of the Tribe”

4. Epic Hero
The hero is a figure of great national or even cosmic importance, usually the ideal man of his culture
He often has superhuman or divine traits
He has an imposing physical stature and is greater in all ways than the common man
Is not PERFECT- usually suffers from a flaw such as pride

5. The Odyssey Literary Devices
Epithets
Epithets are common epic elements which allow the reader to easily identify the character or object
Epithets stress a quality of what they are describing
The same character often is given several different epithets
Examples of epithets used in the Odyssey are:
"The great tactician" - This term creates the image of Odysseus as being intelligent
"The clear eyed goddess" - This helps the reader imagine that Athena is alert, and wise - farseeing.

6. The Odyssey Literary Devices
Narrative drift
Homer is constantly interrupting the narration to elaborate on an aspect of what he is talking about
If he mentions a gift of wine, he will explain not only the history of the gift but the history of the giver
He rarely introduces a character without alluding to that character's genealogy

7. The Odyssey Literary Devices
Formal Speech
In the Odyssey the characters tend to make speeches rather than have conversations

8. The Odyssey Literary Devices
Homer's imagery is vivid
He gives us extraordinary detail
His people are always doing something: weeping, laughing, eating, crying. They are alive
Some of Homer's descriptions are clearly hyperbolic (exaggerated), but many of them gives us a sense of what the world of his time must have looked like

9. The Odyssey Literary Devices
Figurative Language
Homer loves similes (a comparison between two seemingly unlike things using "like" or "as").
They can be found everywhere in the Odyssey
Homer often expands upon a simile
these expanded similes are called Homeric or epic similes.

10. The Odyssey Literary Devices
Personification
occurs in almost every book of the Odyssey
The Gods appear disguised as people,
Mentor is the personification of Athena.
Other things are frequently personified:
"Sleep" looses "Odysseus' limbs, slipping the toils of anguish from his mind“
"East and South Winds clashed, and the raging West and North/sprung from the heavens, roiled heaving breakers up."

11. The Odyssey Literary Devices
Symbols
are associated with the gods.
Eagles
are often seen as Zeus,
but they are also foreshadow Odysseus' return
Many gods are associated with specific symbols:
Zeus, the thunderbolt
Poseidon, the scepter
Apollo and Artemis, arrows
Athena the loom

12. The Odyssey Themes Hospitality Respect for Gods Importance of Lineage
Loyalty
Pride and Honor
Resisting Temptation
Live Life to the Fullest
Self Discipline
Leadership
Justice
Revenge
Reconciliation
Fate

13. Characters of the Odyssey Main Characters
Athena
Goddess of Wisdom
Odysseus
Epic Hero
Penelope
Odysseus’ Wife
Telemachus
Odysseus’ Son

14. Vocabulary Books 1-3 Tortured- to create or give someone much pain
Beheld-saw
Suitors- men who wanted to marry Penelope
Marveled- amazed or astonished
Omen- a sign of what is to come
Utter- complete
Pestering- bothering, annoying

15. Vocab. Cont. Loom- a tool for making thread into cloth
Abroad- out of one’s own country
Immortals- gods, beings who cannot die
Scoundrels- villains, people up to no good
Quarrel- fight with words
Festival- a day or special time to rejoice
Sacked- attacked or captured a city
Vex- annoy

16. Vocab cont.
Chariot- something pulled by horses that people rode in

17. The Odyssey Book 1 ATHENA INSPIRES THE PRINCE SCENE
CALYPSO’S ISLAND, OLYMPUS, ITHACA
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
GODS: POSEIDON, HERMES, ATHENA/MENTES, ZEUS
MORTALS: TELEMACHUS, MENTES, PENELOPE, EURYCLEIA, PHEMIAS, SUITORS

18. Summary
The Book begins with the invocation to the Muse followed by Athena’s plea to Zeus to allow her favorite mortal, Odysseus, to travel home from Ogyia, where he has been held captive for seven years by Calypso. Zeus agrees but not without insisting the trip be hard. He does not want to enrage Poseidon, who is mad at Odysseus. Athena goes to Ithaca to spur Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, into action. We meet suitors of Odysseus’ wife , Penelope who are abusing the rules of hospitality. Penelope still loves Odysseus even though everyone in Ithaca believes he’s dead.

19. EPITHETS Answer in Journal
Who is….
The bewitching nymph
Son of Cronos
Who marshals the thunderheads
The clear eyed Goddess

20. QUESTIONS ABOUT PLOT ANSWER IN JOURNAL
What do you see as the attitude of the Gods towards men?
What are Telemachus’ strengths?
What are his weaknesses?
How does Athena plan to affect Telemachus?
How does Telemachus show strength with Penelope?

21. The Odyssey Book 2 TELEMACHUS SETS SAIL SCENE IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
ITHACA
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
EURYCLEIA, MENTES/MENTOR/ATHENA, TELEMACHUS, ANITNOUS, HALITHERSES, EURYMACHUS,

22. Summary
Athena, disguised as Mentor, arranges for Telemachus to take a trip to find out from Nestor, one of the Greek Captains in the Trojan War, if Odysseus is still alive. Telemachus surprises Penelope and the suitors by his new assertive behavior.

23. EPITHETS and QUESTIONS Answer in Journal
Who is…
self-possessed
Daughter of Zeus
What has “rose red fingers”
What are the suitors’ attitudes towards Penelope?
What are two different interpretations of the omen?

24. Journal Response #1
Write a well developed paper (at least 5 paragraphs) to answer the following question. Write the complete question and your answer below. Title the entry Journal Response #1. 20 pts.
Describe what the term hero means to you. Name a hero in your life and describe why you consider them a hero.

25. The Odyssey Book 3 KING NESTOR REMEMBERS SUMMARY Scene- Pylos
This book begins with sacrifices to the feuding Gods (Poseidon and Athena). Telemachus learns from Nestor the importance of hospitality and respect for the Gods. Telemachus is treated with great respect and learns what it means to be his father’s son. At the end of the book, Telemachus is sent to Sparta to meet Menelaus who might know of Odysseus’ whereabouts

26. Epithets/Journal Questions answer in journals
Who is “the noble charioteer”
What is “wine dark”
How does Athena help Telemachus prepare for Nestor
Why is it important for Telemachus to meet Nestor in particular? What does he seem to represent?
Why is it important for Telemachus to meet Pisistratus
What does Telemachus learn about himself? About the meaning of being a son? About the treatment of guests? About sacrifices to the gods?

27. Vocabulary Books 4-6 Awe- amazement, respect Cloak- jacket
Cunning- clever
Estate- property, belongings
Nymph-a minor goddess in the form of a beautiful woman
Straits- narrow channel joining two large bodies of water
Ambush- attack by surprise

28. Vocab continued Trident- three-pronged spear carried by Poseidon
Girdles- belts or sashes worn around the waist
Anoint- to put oil on as part of a religious ceremony

29. The Odyssey Book 4 The King and Queen of Sparta Summary Scene- Sparta
When Telemachus arrives in Sparta King Menelaus makes him feel completely welcome. There is a big party going on in Menelaus’ home. Menelaus tells Telemachus that Odysseus is indeed alive.

30. How do Menelaus and Helen compare with Nestor as hosts
Who is…
Red haired
Son of Atreus
The pearl of women
How do Menelaus and Helen compare with Nestor as hosts
Do Menelaus and Helen know who Telemachus is at the beginning of the book?
What is impressive about the palace

31. Journal Response #2
Write a well developed paper (at least 5 paragraphs) to answer the following question. Write the complete question and your answer below. Title the entry Journal Response #2. 20 pts.
Tell about a journey you once took. Due Friday beginning of class.

32. The Odyssey Book 5 Odysseus-Nymph and Shipwreck Important Characters
Scene- Ogygia
Important Characters
Calypso, Athena, Zeus, Poseidon, Odysseus, A sea nymph

33. The Odyssey Book 5 Summary
In book five we meet Odysseus. He is very homesick. Hermes tells Calypso that Zeus has commanded her to release Odysseus. She doesn’t want to let Odysseus leave, but knows she doesn’t have a choice. Odysseus starts on his journey home.

34. EPITHETS and QUESTIONS Answer in Journal
Who is…
Lustrous goddess, queenly nymph
The guide and giant killer
God of the earthquake
How long does Odysseus stay on Calypso’s Island?
What will Calypso give Odysseus if he stays with her?
Why does Odysseus return Ino’s veil to the sea?
For how many days does Odysseus swim?

35. Journal Response #3
Write two well developed paragraphs to answer the following question. Write the complete question and your answer below. Title the entry Journal Response #3.
Predict why you think a poem as old as The Odyssey might still be valuable today.

36. The Odyssey Book 6 The Princess and the Stranger Summary
Scene- The island of Scheria and the land of the Phaeacians
Summary
Athena comes to Nausicaa who is the princess of the Phaeacians, in a dream which leads her to ask her father to let her go with her friends to wash clothes by the river. There the games they play awaken Odysseus who greets the brave young princess with great diplomacy. She can tell he is a worthy stranger and greets him with great hospitality. When he is bathed, Odysseus emerges taller. At the end of the book, Nausicaa leads Odysseus toward town and gives him directions to the palace.

37. Vocabulary Chapters 7-9
Pillars-vertical columns used to support a building or structure
Visible-possible to see
Discus-circular flat object that is thrown for distance in athletic games
Monstrous-very large, enormous
Fleece- the wool of a sheep
Excel- do well at

38. Vocabulary continued Prophecy-prediction of the future
Beached-run ashore
Hospitable-treating guests warmly and generously
Humane-kind
Shrubbery-bushes
Shepherding-taking care of sheep
Kids-young goats

39. Vocabulary cont.
Whey-the watery part of milk that separates from the curds
Flocks-small groups of animals that feed together

40. The Odyssey Book 7 Phaeacia Halls and Gardens Summary
Scene- The island of Scheria and the land of the Phaeacians
Summary
Odysseus is escorted to the palace by Athena disguised as a young girl. After admiring the beautiful gardens Odysseus enters the palace. He greets the Queen humbly and is soon made to feel welcome. Once again, hospitality is emphasized. Odysseus indicates his desire to return to Ithaca, but the Phaeacian king Alcinous wants him to marry his daughter.

41. The Odyssey Book 8 A Day for Songs and Contests Summary
Scene- the land of the Phaeacians
Summary
Alcinous responds quickly to Odysseus’ desire for passage home and then invites the stranger to a dual entertainment: songs by Demodocus and a kind of Phaeacian mini-Olympics. Odysseus is distracted from his grief by the games where Odysseus is challenged to show his strength. After the games King Alcinous asks Odysseus to tell his story.

42. The Odyssey Book 9 In the One-Eyed Giants Cave
Scene- Odysseus is telling the story to King Alcinous about when he went to the Lands of the Cocones and the Lotus Eaters as well as the Island of the Cyclops
Important Characters- Odysseus

43. The Odyssey Book 9 Summary
Odysseus identifies himself to his hosts and agrees to tell the tale of his adventures. He describes his pillage of the Cicones where his men become greedy and the fruit of the Lotus Eaters that entrances his men. He then tells the story of his experience with Polyphemus, the Cyclops who traps him and his men and whom he escapes through outsmarting. Odysseus brags about himself to Polyphemus, who is the son of Poseidon and therefore enrages Poseidon.

44. EPITHETS and QUESTIONS Answer in Journal
Who is…
Teller of tales
God of the sea blue mane who rocks the earth
Who are the Cicones?
Who are the Lotus Eaters?
What does Polyphemus’ diet consist of?
What mistakes does Odysseus make as he sails away?

45. Journal Response #4
Write a well developed paper (at least 1 page) to answer the following question. Write the complete question and your answer below. ORGANIZE AND PROOFREAD!
The Lotus Eaters, while friendly, represent an obstacle for Odysseus and his men. There are many things today which may at first appear to be pleasant or friendly, but which may actually be obstacle’s in one’s life. Write a well-developed essay describing obstacles teenagers may face today and how this relates to the story of the Lotus Eaters.

46. BOOK 10- The Bewitching Queen of Aeaea
Odysseus tells Alcinous of the Laestrygonians, and of Aeaea-the island of Circe

47. Answer the following in your journal
Epithets
Who is…the nymph with lovely braids
After the attack from the Laestrygonians, how many ships are left out of the original twelve?
What sort of character is Circe?
What craft does Circe practice that Penelope also practices?

48. What does Hermes give to Odysseus?
Why (aside from her magic) is she able to turn Odysseus’ men into swine?
How do they offend her?
What does Hermes give to Odysseus?
What makes Odysseus give in to Circe’s enticements? Is this typical of him?
How long does Odysseus stay in Circe’s palace?

49. Why does he want to leave?
Where must he go to learn his way home?

50. Vocabulary 10-12 Horizon-place where the land appears to meet the sky
Landlocked-entirely surrounded by land
Headlands- a point of land, usually high with a steep drop, extending out into a body of water
Stag-adult male deer
Subjection-being under someone’s power
Hermes-messenger of the Gods

51. Vocab Continued Wand- thin rod used to perform magic
Herb- various plants that are used in medicine
Goblet- drinking cup
Bewitch- place under one’s power by magic or spell
Hostile- showing ill will
Hades- god of the underworld

52. Vocab cont. Persephone- goddess abducted by Hades Trench-deep ditch
Barren-not able to produce offspring
Heifer-young cow
Cairn-mound of stones built as a marker, for a grave
Restrain-hold back and keep in check; control
Winnowing fan- fan held to separate wheat from chaf

53. Vocab cont. Lineage- forefathers
Enthralled- held spellbound, enchanted
Escort- guide, protector
Embarked- set out
Yelps- short sharp cries
Insolent-insulting, rude
Famine- severe hunger, starvation
Dressed- cleaned in preparation for cooking
Carcasses-dead bodies of animals

54. BOOK 11-The Land of the Dead
Answer the following in your journal
Who is…
The seer of Thebes
Son of Peleus, greatest of Achaeans
What favor does Elpenor ask of Odysseus?
What ritual does Odysseus perform in order to meet those in the underworld?

55. What does Tiresias do in order to speak to Odysseus?
What does Odysseus learn about his journey from Tiresias in Hades?
What does Odysseus learn from Anticlea?
What does he try to do after she speaks to him?
Why does he fail

56. What does Agamemnon tell Odysseus about how men should feel about women?
What is the reason for Ajax’s anger at Odysseus?
What is the Greek Underworld like?

57. Book 12-Cattle of the Sun
On Aeaea Odysseus fulfills his promise to Elpenor. A hospitable Circe repeats some of what Tiresias has warned Odysseus about, and also advises him how best to negotiate some upcoming perils. By following her advice, Odysseus is able to resist the Sirens’ song and avoid most of the perils of the straight between Scylla and Charybdis. Then, though Odysseus had been told that landing on Helios’ island could lead to a fateful error, his near mutinous men insist they need some rest. Once there, they break an oath to Odysseys and feast on the Sungod’s sacred cattle. Helios has his revengee and only Odysseus survives a thunderbolt that sinks his ship.

58. Book 12- Answer in Journal
Make notes on Odysseus’ leadership
Is it effective
Why or why not?
Why has Odysseus returned to Aeaea?
How does Circe help him?
Why are the cattle of Helios’s island so tempting?
This is not the first time Odysseus’ warnings are ignored. Whose fault is this?

59. Leadership What makes someone a good leader?
Find a modern example who embodies the qualities of a good leader
Does Odysseus have these qualities?
2 paragraphs

60. Vocabulary 13-15 Swineherd-person who tends or looks after swine
Ravenously-extremely hungry
Enthralled- to hold spellbound; captivate
Ignorant- lacking education or knowledge
Stately- dignified and impressive
Sties- an enclosure for swine

61. Vocabulary continued Prey- an animal hunted or caught for food
Oath- a solemn, formal declaration or promise
Strait- a narrow channel joining two larger bodies of water
Charge- to instruct or command

62. Book 13- Ithaca at Last
Summary: The Phaeacians fulfill their promise to Odysseus but at what will prove to be a terrible cost for Poseidon feels betrayed and goes to Zeus to punish the overly hospitable Phaeacians. Zeus turns the boat of the returning sailors to stone in full view of Alcinous and his people. Meanwhile, Odysseus does not recognize his homeland, but he is greeted by Athena is disguise of a shepherd who tells him where he is. She tells him that his son lives, but that he will have to endure hardships before he recaptures his homeland from the suitors and his faithful wife. He is to be disguised as an old man.

63. Journal Questions
How do Poseidon and Zeus interact in this book? What is the balance of power between them?
How does Odysseus first feel as he lands on Ithaca?
How much does he tell the “shepherd” he meets about his true identity and intentions?
Where is Athena going at the end of this book? How does she help Odysseus at this point

64. Journal Entry #5 Odysseus’ Journey Home
Create a timeline of Odysseus journey home from Troy.
The first place on the timeline should be Troy
The last place on the timeline should be Ithaca
Complete this on construction paper
Label it Odysseus’ Journey home
TURN IN TO BOX-DO NOT KEEP IN JOURNAL

65. Book 14-The Loyal Swineherd
Summary: For the next seven books Odysseus assumes the disguise of an old beggar. Here, he travels to the swinherd’s place this is overseen by the loyal Eumaeus. Eumaeus has retained the traditional values relating to hospitality; he also has remained faithful to his master. Eumaeus reveals the terrible state of things with the opportunistic and greedy suitors, tells Penelope’s fate, and laments Telemachus’ journey to Pylos. When Odysseus foretells his own return, Eumaeus expresses doubt. The chapter ends with the swineherd preparing a feast for the guest who had suffered so much. He passes a final “test” by covering his thin clad guest with a winter cloak before going to sleep near the “white tusked boars” to ensure their protection.

66. Epithets and Journal Questions:
Who is:
Loyal swineherd
Great teller of tales
How is the swineherd connected to Odysseus?
Odysseus tells the swineherd he is from what kind of background? Suffered what kind of hardships?
How does Eumaeus react to Odysseus’ story?
Why does Odysseus say, “I’m not long for the living. The cold will do me in. See I’ve got no cloak.”?

67. Book 15-The Prince Sets Sail for Home
Summary: Athena come to Telemachus to urge him to return to Ithaca. He quickly responds. Menelaus and Helen shower Telemachus with gifts. The book then returns to Eumaeus and Ithaca. Eumaeus tells his story. Telemachus lands in Ithaca successfully, but secretly. He will not return to his home, but has been directed by Athena, to go to the swineherd’s farm.

68. Journal Questions Why is Telemachus awake when Athena comes upon him?
How does the beginning of this book compare to the ending of Book 14?
Who gives going away presents to Telemachus? What does this signify?
How does Odysseus test Eumaeus?
What aspect of Eumaeus’ story caused Odysseus to say, “You’ve moved my heart deeply.”?

69. Journal Entry #6
Use evidence from the text to PROVE that the Odyssey is indeed an epic.
20 pts.
Essay format
5 paragraphs
Thesis

70. THE REST OF THE STORY… Book 16
Telemachus sends Eumaeus into the town to tell Penelope of his return. Odysseus then reveals himself to his son Telemachus.
Book 17
Telemachus is welcomed home by Penelope. Odysseus, in the clothes of a beggar, at last returns to his own house. He is laughed at by Penelope’s suitor Antinous.
Book 18
Odysseus is ill-treated by the suitors, and Telemachus becomes angry

71. Book 19
Penelope speaks with her husband Odysseus (not knowing who he is). He tells her that Odysseus will return. His old nurse, Euryclea, washes his feet and recognizes him by the scar on his leg.
Book 20
In the morning, Odysseus is again laughed at by the suitors. He makes his plans for the upcoming battle with the suitors.
Book 21
Penelope brings out Odysseus’ bow as a test of strength. The suitors are unable to string it. Odysseus then strings his bow and shoots it.

72. Book 22
Odysseus and Telemachus begin to kill the suitors. All of the suitors are murdered, and the unloyal housemaids hanged.
Book 23
Euryclea tells Penelope the good news of Odysseus’ return. Penelope, convinced at last, kisses her husband.
Book 24
The ghosts of the suitors gather in the house of Hades. Odysseus goes to find his father, Laertes. The men of Ithaca want to murder Odysseus because of the killings, but the goddess Athena stops the fight and makes peace.