The Odyssey Study Guide
**Your test is broken down into 2 days, and multiple parts. There is everything from reading and
writing, to fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice. It is a challenging test, but you can easily make an A on
it if you study diligently. In order to assist you in focusing your energies, I am giving you this study
guide- along with class time. If you do not use the time wisely, tests will go out during class today! You
may work with a partner as long as you are working nicely. IF YOU TURN IN THIS STUDY GUIDE
COMPLETELY DONE, YOU WILL RECEIVE 10 BONUS POINTS! YOU MUST DO ALL OF IT THOUGH! NO
PARTIAL BONUS WILL BE GIVEN! PS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOUR ANSWER ON A SEPARATE SHEET
OF PAPER!
FROM BACKGROUND NOTES
1. Who is the author?
2. What was Greek theatre like? Especially the performers?
3. What is The Iliad about?
4. Why did the Battle of Troy begin?
5. How was the Battle of Troy finally won? Know the specifics here!
6. How long did this war last?
7. What is The Odyssey about?
8. Who is Odysseus married to? Do they have children?
9. Who is the most noticeable goddess throughout the story? Why is she perceptible?
10. What God dislikes Odysseus?
11. Who is at the palace in Ithaca?
12. What force rules Ithaca?
13. How are guests treated?
14. Why can’t Penelope force the men to leave her house and simply go about her life?
15. What are REAL men like in Ancient Greece?
16. How to people show respect in Ancient Greece?
17. What are 3 major themes?
FROM EPIC HERO NOTES (still a part of background notes)
1. What is the epic hero compared to?
2. Who helps the epic hero?
3. What are the villains like?
4. Physically the epic hero is…
5. Every epic hero must have a what?
6. How is Odysseus an epic hero? Please be very specific with your answer here!
FROM THE BOOK READINGS
1. What is the main purpose of book one?
2. What do we learn about Odysseus in book one?
3. What literary device is mostly seen in book 9?
4. Know what the Lotus eaters are and why they are important
5. What type of civilization do the Cyclops have?
6. What does Odysseus tell Polyphemus his name is?
7. Why does he lie?
8. Does his trick work?
9. What character flaw is almost fatal for Odysseus and his crew?
10. How does it almost lead to their death when they are fleeing Polyphemus?
11. What does Aeolus give to Odysseus in Book 10?
12. What happens to Odysseus’ men at Circe’s house?
13. How long are they at Circe’s house?
14. Where does Circe tells Odysseus he must go after finally leaving her house?
15. In Book 12 what fatal ‘attractions’ await our warriors?
16. How do the men deal with these things (all of them!)
17. What has happened back at the palace when Odysseus returns home in Book 21?
18. What do Odysseus faithful servants do when he picks up the arrow?
19. What image are you left with at the end of book 21?
20. Who does Odysseus kill first?
21. Why does he kill this man first?
22. How does he kill this man?
23. What happened with Eurymachus?
24. What happens between father and son in this moment?
25. What is the situation at the end of Book 22