1. Unit: Epic Poetry: The Odyssey
By Homer
An Introduction to the Epic Poem

2. Homer’s The Odyssey: Context
The Odyssey is an EPIC POEM written by Homer, the most famous of Greek Storytellers.
The time and place in which The Odyssey was written is unknown and Homer, it is argued, may not actually have been the author.
It is possible that the epic poem is merely a collection of oral traditions passed on from generation to generation.
Most scholars believe that Homer wrote the poem in Greece about 700 B.C.E.

3. Homer’s The Odyssey: Epic Hero
Epic poems are long, narrative poems about important events in the history or folklore of a nation or culture.
The protagonist in an epic poem is known as an epic hero, the larger-than-life central character.
Through adventurous deeds, the epic hero demonstrates traits that are highly valued in his/her society (bravery, war accomplishments, etc).

4. Homer’s The Odyssey: Epic Poetry
Most epics begin in media res, which means “in the middle of things.”
This means that the most of the important action of the story occurred BEFORE the point in which the poem begins.
For instance: The Odyssey begins right AFTER the end of the Trojan War.
Therefore, most of the story’s epic events are told in flashback manner.

5. Homer’s The Odyssey: Notes
Setting: the story begins after the Trojan War and covers the next ten years. Odysseus’s travels cover the Aegean and surrounding seas and eventually end in Ithaca, in northwestern Greece; Telemachus travels from Ithaca to southern Greece.
Point of View: 3rd person omniscient
Tone: celebratory and nostalgic; the poet views the times in which the action is set as glorious and larger than life.

6. Homer’s The Odyssey: Notes
Themes: The power of cunning over strength; the pitfalls of temptation; the tension between goals and obstacles; the misery of separation; maturation as a journey.
Motifs: Disguises; storytelling; seductresses.
Symbols: Food; the wedding bed; the great bow; symbols of temptation.

7. Homer’s The Odyssey: Vocab
Recall key terms from the unit on poetry; they will play a key role in your understanding of this story:
Simile
Metaphor
Narrative poem
Symbol
Stanza
Refrain
Rhythm

8. Great Books: The Odyssey
Copy down the following questions and answer them as you watch the video. As you watch the program, note the challenges Odysseus faces in his journey.
What is an odyssey?
How does Homer’s epic story portray the human condition and timeless human challenges?
What does The Odyssey reveal about ancient Greek culture?

9. Homer’s The Odyssey: Vocab
Copy down these new terms; Choose two words and USE THEM IN A SENTENCE (2 sentences). This will be the SECOND written entry in your “Odyssey Journal.”
Epic Simile (n): a simile of great length and detail, going on for several lines.
Plundered (v): took goods by force; looted
Dispatched (v): finished quickly; sent out (an order)
Mammoth (adj): enormous; huge
Assuage (v): calm; pacify
Bereft (adj): deprived (refused) of something
Ardor (n): passion; enthusiasm
Insidious (adj): characterized by craftiness or betrayal