Antonio Carollo
Honors Literature and Composition Period 7
Ms. Rubano
December 6, 2013
Main Characters
 Odysseus- Protagonist, originally washed up on the
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shore of Phaiakia after Poseidon’s attack
Nausikaa- Phaecian Princess who falls in love with
Odysseus after their encounter from the river bank.
Athena- Greek Goddess of Wisdom who takes
different roles for guiding Odysseus.
Arête-Queen of Phaiakia, known to be very wise and
holds high power and respect (Descendant of
Poseidon)
Alkinoos- King of Phaiakia(Descendant of Poseidon)
Setting
 Phaiakia, home of the Phaecians
 Beautiful Phaecian Palace
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The residence of Nausicaa , Arête, and Alcinous
Plot
 Odysseus is approached by Athena in her young girl
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persona, after praying for her in the grove.
Athena guides Odysseus to the palace, where Nausikaa and
the King and Queen reside.
Odysseus is given a protective mist for protection of the
inhabitants. Very Xenophobic individuals
The palace they arrive to is a masterpiece, with miles of
fresh goods and amazing outside and inside architecture.
There is a private banquet hosted by the Arête and
Alkinoos, in which it is filled with the most powerful
individuals of Phaiakia.
Plot (2)
 Odysseus’ protective mist was broken once entering the
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castle, after a noble man spotted the mist.
The banquet continued
After, Odysseus begged to the King and Queen for ships
back to Ithaca, all funded by the King.
Alkinoos and Arête ask how Odysseus made it to Phaiakia.
Odysseus tells his experiences from departing Calypso’s
island after 8 years, to nearly dying from Poseidon’s attack
on sea.
Moved by his story, Alkinoos, grants Odysseus his request
for deportation the next morning to Ithaca.
Main Idea
 Book VII is considered a “bridge”
 Before, the story only mentioned Odysseus’ high risk
conflicts to get home.
 After Book VII, Odysseus isn't on the brink of dying,
but he now needs to face temptations and conflicts
that are emotionally stressful.
 (Ex): His relationship with Nausikaa
 Book VII also mentions the role of power for both
Arête and Alkinoos.
Critical Analysis- The Power of
Women
 The power of Arête and Nausikaa are introduced in
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Book VII.
(Ex)- Odysseus bowing to Arête when they are both
confronted together.
“Who again is master—Queen Arête or King Alkinoos?
Nausikaa knows well enough how to answer this
question,” (Butler 1).
*Quote explaining Arête.*
My personal criticisms.
Critical Analysis- Finally
Interpreting Odysseus as a Hero
 Prior Book VII- never mentioned Odysseus/ only showcased life
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risking hardships.
Not really portrayed as a Homeric hero, except for bravery.
I feel that Book VII is also a “bridge” in forming Odysseus as a
Homeric hero.
Before- he constantly needs to be saved for life
After- He now holds more responsibility for staying alive, now
that he has a template to work on.
“Odysseus's personality and reputation at best are poised, as it
were, on a narrow edge between Aristotelian faults of excess and
deficiency. Poised between rashness and timorousness, he is
prudently brave; and at his best, wise,” (Stanford 1).
(In text quote)
Video Link
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxYdxYfgFa8