1. Literary Terms Background Greek History
The Odyssey
Literary Terms
Background
Greek History

2. Genre EPIC POEM A long narrative poem Begins w/ invocation Adventure
Heroic Figure
Setting is vast
Supernatural forces
Serious tone (elevated language)

3. The Epic Hero An epic’s central character
Larger-than-life figure from history
Undertakes a dangerous voyage
Demonstrates loyalty, courage, and honor
Valued by society

4. Literary Techniques Repeated description Simile Metaphor
Personification
Epithet
Foreshadowing

5. Simile A comparison between two things using “like” or “as”
Example: “…and leaned on it turning it as a shipwright turns a drill in planking,…” (p.992)

6. Metaphor A comparison between two things without using “like” or “as”
Example: “Why bait the beast again?” (p.996)

7. Personification Describing an object by giving it human qualities
Example: “…The Cyclops bellowed and the rock roared round him…” (p.992)

8. Epithet Short, descriptive title
A characterizing word or phrase associated with a person or thing
Example: “Richard the Lion-Hearted”
“…the young Dawn with fingertips of rose” (p.990)

9. Foreshadowing Clues that suggest events that have yet to occur
Creates suspense

10. Archetype
The most typical example of a particular kind of person or thing; ideal example
Universally recognized
Examples: the mother figure, the wise old man, the child, or the hero

11. The Greek Hero Strong in mind and body High social standing
Actions affect others
Struggle against human weakness

12. The Hero’s Journey CYCLE: Hero possesses supernatural ability
Charged with a quest
Hero is tested
Travels to supernatural world
Hero nearly gives up
A resurrection: moves from defeat to triumph
Restitution: regains rightful place on throne

13. Hubris Excessive pride or self-confidence Arrogance
Think about Achilles in Troy.

14. The Odyssey
Begins “in medias res”
In the middle of things

15. The Iliad The prequel to The Odyssey
Concerned with the events of the Trojan War
Written by Homer

16. The Trojan War Historical Context
Fought between Spartans and Trojans
Spartans- from Sparta V.
Trojans- from Troy

17. Map of Ancient Greece

18. Where is Greece?

19. The Odyssey A Journey Home
King Odysseus fought on behalf of the Spartans.
He attempts to return home to Ithaca after 10 years at war.
Gods are angered by Odysseus’ pride and curse him to wander the earth.

20. The Journey

21. Characters Odysseus- King of Ithaca Penelope- Queen of Ithaca
Telemachus- son of Odysseus & Penelope
Agamemnon- leader of the Greek forces
Polyphemus (Cyclops)- son of Poseidon
Poseidon- god of the sea
Calypso- sea goddess who loves Odysseus
Circe- enchantress who helps Odysseus