1. from the Odyssey, Part One by Homer translated by Robert Fitzgerald
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Introducing the Story
Literary Focus: Heroes at Large
Reading Skills: Monitor Your Comprehension

2. from the Odyssey, Part One by Homer translated by Robert Fitzgerald

3. from the Odyssey, Part One Introducing the Story
The ordinary man is involved in action, the hero acts. An immense difference.
—Henry Miller, 1951

4. from the Odyssey, Part One Introducing the Story
When we first meet Odysseus, he is unhappily— and forcibly—living with Calypso on her island. Although Calypso is a beautiful goddess, Odysseus longs to return to his wife, Penelope.
Athena sends Hermes to set Odysseus free, and the adventure begins. What does the angry Poseidon have in store for our hero?

5. from the Odyssey, Part One Introducing the Story
Stories of Troy have fascinated people throughout the ages. These stories are often a mix of myth and historical reality.
Archaeologist finds “Priam’s gold.” Is the hill excavated by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1800s really Troy?
Click here to find out.
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6. from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Focus: Heroes at Large
We find heroes to admire
in books and movies
in the news
on TV shows
in our own lives

7. from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Focus: Heroes at Large
Heroes—real or fictional—often set out on a journey that we’re all on: the quest to discover who we are and what we can do.
Whether heroes succeed or fail on their journeys, they do it on a grand scale.
Their adventures can give us fresh perspectives on our own lives.

8. from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Focus: Heroes at Large
During their quests, heroic characters
encounter challenges and dangers
face external conflicts—struggles with other characters or with the forces of nature
The hero’s external conflicts are often with subordinate characters—characters who play a secondary role in the story.

9. from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Focus: Heroes at Large
As you read these excerpts from the Odyssey, think about
what conflicts Odysseus faces
how he overcomes his conflicts
what decisions and actions make him a hero
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10. from the Odyssey, Part One Reading Skills: Monitor Your Comprehension
To enjoy an adventure story like the Odyssey, you’ll have to make sure you understand what you are reading. As you read, ask yourself
what has happened so far?
why did it happen?
what are the important events in this episode?
when do the events take place?

11. from the Odyssey, Part One Reading Skills: Monitor Your Comprehension
As you read the Odyssey, also ask
what might happen next?
can I visualize what is being described?
what is my evaluation of the characters’ decisions and actions?
what connections can I make between what I’ve read and my own life?
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12. from the Odyssey, Part One Quickwrite
Make the Connection
What makes a hero? Write down the names of people, real or fictional, whom you consider heroic. Then, list character traits that you think a hero should have. Are these traits universal, or do they reflect only our own culture? Add to your notes as you read the Odyssey.
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13. Vocabulary

14. from the Odyssey, Part One Vocabulary
Previewing the Vocabulary
adversity n.: hardship; great misfortune.
formidable adj.: awe-inspiring by reason of excellence; strikingly impressive.
ravage v.: destroy violently; ruin.
profusion n.: large supply; abundance.
adversary n.: enemy; opponent.
rancor n.: bitter hatred; ill will.

15. from the Odyssey, Part One Vocabulary
Previewing the Vocabulary
abominably adv.: in an extremely unpleasant or disgusting manner.
ardor n.: passion; enthusiasm.
tumult n.: commotion; uproar; confusion.
restitution n.: compensation; repayment.

16. from the Odyssey, Part One Vocabulary
Vocabulary Activity
Answer the following questions with yes or no.
Would a formidable football player be good to have on your team?
Is an easygoing person likely to show rancor?
Do most people hope for a life filled with adversity?
Is your adversary someone to whom you’d want to lend a helping hand?
Can a hurricane ravage a seaside town?
yes no no no
yes
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17. Meet the Writer

18. from the Odyssey, Part One Meet the Writer
The Iliad and the Odyssey are both attributed to a poet named Homer, but no one really knows much about this man.
The ancient Greeks believed he was a blind minstrel, or singer. They also believed he was from the island of Chios, which is located off the west coast of Asia Minor. Based on evidence from the poems themselves, it is probable that Homer was indeed born on Chios.
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