1. ENG 273: World Literature

2. The Poem Sequel to The Illiad Epic poem told and retold in Oral Tradition Written version also attributed to Homer Very influential in Western Literature

3. Setting the Scene Trojan War has ended Everyone alive has returned home except Odysseus who is being held by Calypso Suitors have invaded Odysseus’ home in Ithaca in hopes of marrying Penelope and are running amok Penelope is clinging to the hope that her beloved husband will return Telemachus has reached adulthood and is about ready to do something about the suitors

4. Odyssey = Epic Voyage Telemachus leaves Ithaca in search of his father and visits numerous kingdoms to find out if there is any word if Odysseus is alive Odysseus leaves Calypso’s island and sets out for home. He is sidetracked and tells the story of his long voyage from Troy Odysseus and Telemachus finally meet and hatch a plan to slay the suitors

5. Characters: Ithaca Odysseus Telemachus Penelope The Suitors

6. Characters: gods and goddesses Calypso Poseidon Athena Hermes Zeus Polyphemus (the Cyclops)

7. Key Themes Epic Voyage (Odyssey) Brawn versus Brains Pride as a Source of Difficulty Aftermath of War Nature of gods and goddesses Relationship to Humans Love Family Marriage