Terminology for The Odyssey Unit

Allusion: is a brief reference to a person, event, or place, real or fictitious, or to a work of art. Allusions are commonly made to the Bible, nursery rhymes, myths, famous fictional or historical characters or events, and Shakespeare. Allusions in writing help the reader to visualize what's happening by creating a mental picture. But the reader must be aware of the allusion and must be familiar with what it alludes to. Example: Christy didn't like to spend money. She was no Scrooge, but she seldom purchased anything except the bare necessities".

Archetype the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.

Arête means excellence of any kind. In its earliest appearance in Greek, this notion of excellence was ultimately connected to living up to one's full potential. Arête in ancient Greek culture was courage and strength in the face of adversity and it was to what all people aspired.

Epic/Homeric Simile Epic/Homeric simile: extends a comparison using like or as with elaborate descriptive details that can fill several lines of a verse.

Epithet Any word or phrase applied to a person or a thing to describe an actual or attributed quality. An epithet is often used in the place of an actual name or title. Example: “man’s best friend” is an epithet for dog.

Archetypal hero Unusual circumstances of birth; sometimes in danger or born into royalty Leaves family or land and lives with others An event, sometimes traumatic, leads to adventure or quest Hero has a special weapon only he can wield Hero always has supernatural help The Hero must prove himself many times while on adventure Hero experiences atonement with the father When the hero dies, he is rewarded spiritually

Iambic pentameter is a type of meter that is used in poetry and drama. It describes a particular rhythm that the words establish in each line. That rhythm is measured in small groups of syllables; these small groups of syllables are called "feet". The word "iambic" describes the type of foot that is used. (unstressed stressed) The word "pentameter" indicates that a line has five of these "feet".

Invocation: the act of calling upon some higher power for assistance Narrative poem: a poem that tells a story.

Oral tradition: Literature that passes by word of mouth from one generation to the next. Minstrel: an entertainer who traveled from place to place, especially to sing and recite poetry. a.k.a- a lyric poet.

Myth: A traditional story of anonymous origin that deals with gods, goddesses, heroes, and supernatural events. The Odyssey incorporates many traditional Greek myths into the tale. Legend: a story handed down from the past through oral tradition and believed to be based on historical events and an actual hero. Most are exaggerated, and gain elements of fantasy over the years.