English 9
The Odyssey
YORKE
The following reading assignments can be found in your copy of Robert Fagles translation of The Odyssey. Read the
Study Guide; it will help you to understand the plot and keep track of the characters. Take notes as you read and
keep a list of the important people and places of each book. After you have read, think about the following
questions to prepare you for discussion.
1. Read Book I: Athena Inspires the Prince
Books One to Four are basically the story of Telemachus’ education and maturation. To keep track of
important themes, look for references for each of the following topics: wandering, the sea, interference by
the gods, home and family, and characteristics of the epic hero.
Think about: Coming of age is an important theme in Books One to Four of The Odyssey. What precipitates
Telemachus’ coming of age? What are some of the elements that signal this transition into independence
and adulthood?
Think about: Characterization is the process by which the author reveals the character of a fictional character.
Choose one major character and, using the text, describe his/her qualities or characteristics as they are
revealed in the first book of The Odyssey.
2. Read Book II: Telemachus Sets Sail
Think about: In Book Two, Athena compliments Telemachus by comparing him to someone. Who does she
compare him to and what qualities does she highlight? If you were to be compared with anyone, who would
you want to be compared with and which qualities would you want to emulate? How is this type of
comparison a part of coming of age? Is it important? Why or why not?
3. Read Book III: King Nestor Remembers
Think about: Sacrifices to and respect for the gods are very evident in this book. Point out some examples of
where you see this. What does Nestor say about the role of the gods? What does this tell you about Nestor
and his beliefs? Can you make general assumptions about Greek religion? How do you believe that people
are empowered? Does your belief parallel or contrast to the Greek perspective?
4. Read Book IV: The King and Queen of Sparta
Think about: Both Nestor and Menelaus graciously demonstrate important values of the heroic age:
hospitality and generosity. What are some of the elements of hospitality that are shown by these kind rulers?
Why was hospitality such an important value at that time? What do you associate with the term
“hospitality”? How does it compare to the Greek concept?
5. Read Book V: Odysseus—Nymph and Shipwreck
Think about: In Book Five, we meet the hero, Odysseus, for the first time. Describe your initial impressions
of him. What interactions or descriptions are those impressions based on? (Use the text!) What is important
to Odysseus? How does he respond to difficulty? Do you notice any heroic qualities? What are they and
where does he display them?
6. Read Book VI: The Princess and the Stranger
Think about: Both Nausicaa and Odysseus exhibit noble character in this book. Which interactions show the
qualities of their nobility? Can you make any general statements about Greek nobility from what you see in
these characters? Are these qualities that you admire? Are there any parallels to this type of nobility in our
society?
7. Read Book VII: Phaeacia’s Halls and Gardens
Think about: In this book, the importance and value of a home is emphasized through the description of
Alcinous’ palace, the amenities that Odysseus is offered there, and the rulers of this domestic scene. What
are some of the qualities of “home” that are so appealing in this book? What theme does this emphasize?
Why would it be important to reintroduce this theme at this point in the story? How does your concept of
“home” compare to the ones portrayed in this epic?
8. Read Book VIII: A Day for Songs and Contests
Think about: In this scene, Demodocus provides entertainment at the feast. What effect do Demodocus’
songs have on Odysseus and why is Odysseus’ reaction important? What is unique about Demodocus and
why is he an important figure? Who or what has a role in creating heroes in our age? What kinds of
entertainment are we most moved by? Why is entertainment important?
9. Read Books IX (In the One-Eyed Giant’s Cave) and X (The Bewitching Queen of Aeaea)
Books Nine through Twelve contain some of the best known parts of The Odyssey. Many of you may have
already encountered these stories in a mythology unit or literature anthology without realizing that they are
part of Homer’s classic. To see them now as a part of Odysseus’ experience gives them a new freshness and
interest.
10. Read Books XI (The Kingdom of the Dead) and XII (The Cattle of the Sun)
11. Books XIII Ithaca at Last
Books Thirteen to Twenty-four contain a series of reunions (as Odysseus is reunited with family and
friends) and introduce the theme of revenge (as Odysseus prepares to reclaim his wife and home).
Think about: Homecoming is a major motif throughout The Odyssey. How is Odysseus’ homecoming
different than he might have expected?
12. Books XVI Father and Son
Think about: Compare and contrast the two storylines that appear in this book. – how do they inform each
other?
13. Book XIX Penelope and Her Guest
Think about: Does Penelope know that her guest is Odysseus?
14. Read Book XXI: Odysseus Strings His Bow
Think about: Loyalty is of utmost importance as Odysseus returns to his home and prepares for his revenge.
Who shows loyalty to Odysseus and how do they express that loyalty? Do you admire them? Why is their
loyalty an asset to Odysseus? Are you the type of person who maintains loyalty over a long period of time?
What kinds of people/situations are worth being loyal to?
15. Read Book XXII: Slaughter in the Hall
Think about: Compare this scene of vengeance to an action film. What elements do the two have in
common? Which elements contribute to the suspense of the scene? What qualities of Odysseus are
emphasized in this scene? Is he justified in taking this violent action? Why or why not?
16. Read Book XXIII: The Great Rooted Bed
Think about: the elements of this initially tentative, but ultimately joyful, reunion between Odysseus and
Penelope. Why are they hesitant? Is this appropriate? How do the two demonstrate their wit? What does
this book reveal about the qualities of these two famous characters? Are they a good match? Was their
relationship worth the long struggle of Odysseus and lasting patience of Penelope?
17. Read Book XXIV: Peace
Think about: the resolution of the conflicts. Is this ending a satisfying one? Why or why not? If you were
going to film this epic, describe the scene that you would choose to conclude with.