Summing up “The Telemachy” And beginning the odyssey of Odysseus
Book I What are the most important events? Do you see any connections to Telemachus' journey as a hero? Any other important connections? Specifically connecting to the conventions of myths or epics?
Book II What are the most important events? Do you see any connections to Telemachus' journey as a hero? What trick is Penelope playing on the suitors? What is the name of the individual Athena disguises herself as? How does she help him?
Book III What are the most important events? Do you see any connections to Telemachus' journey as a hero? What relevance do you think the story of Agamemnon and Orestes might have on Telemachus? What happens with Athena at the end of Book III ? What are the reactions to this?
Book IV What are the most important events? Do you see any connections to Telemachus' journey as a hero? Why is there so much time spent in the first 4 books discussing different families and stories? What do you think of Penelope at this point in the text?
Now, for some skipping around… In order to focus on the journeys the two characters take we will be skipping Books V- VIII, which will be summed up here:
Book V We head back to Mount Olympus and revisit the discussion of Odysseus’ fate from Book I. Hermes is sent off to make Calypso release Odysseus. After much grumbling she submits and lets him go. Odysseus spends 18 days at sea when he runs into Poseidon, oops. Ino and Athena save Odysseus from his near drowning and help him reach the island of the Phaeacians.
Book VI Athena tricks the Phaeacian Princess, Nausicaa, into finding Odysseus in the forest Nausicaa is wary at first, but Athena trick her into falling in love with Odysseus She tells him how to win the assistance of the Phaeacians, but doesn’t actually help him because… modesty?
Book VII Athena is all about meddling and once again lends a hand. Odysseus enters the palace and goes straight to Queen Arete to plead his case. At first they say no, but then they decide to give him a boat. Later that day they grow increasingly suspicious of Odysseus and question him. He recounts his adventures so far and his meeting the princess. The king is so impressed he suggests Odysseus marry the Princess.
Now Odysseus’ misadventures really begin… For homework you read one of the well know travels of Odysseus, and today you will gen an opportunity to teach it to your classmates.
Odyssey Jigsaw With the classmates who also read the same book as you discuss the reading, possibly focusing on the following questions: What are the most important events in your book? Who are the important characters? Do you see any connections to Odysseus’ journey as a hero? Are there any epic elements or archetypes in your book? What is the role of women in your book? Create 2 quiz questions about your book.
Quick Write What is the role of females in the Odyssey? Taking into consideration how characters such as Penelope, Circe, Athena, The Sirens, or any others are portrayed.