The Odyssey
Homer
Name: ___________________
English 9R
Period: _____
Overview of the Epic
Year Written: 800-600 BCE
Author: Homer
Genre: Epic (narrative poem)
The Odyssey is an epic poem that was composed sometime between 800 B.C.E and 600 B.C.E. by a Greek poet known as
Homer. The Odyssey originated as oral poetry, not something to be read silently; it used repetition of words and phrases both
for emphasis and for ease in memorizing and retention. It was also memorable because it painted vivid word pictures and was
filled with action. Because of its length, the Odyssey could not be presented all at one time. For that reason, Homer used
techniques, such as the start of a new trial for the hero, which would bring the audience back to hear more. At that time the
Greeks believed in the influence of the gods and goddesses; therefore, one could expect that the hero would receive the help or
the wrath of a god/goddess during his exploits.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gods & Goddesses:
The gods were differentiated from heroes not so much by their strength as by their supernatural power.
They demanded worship from heroes and people alike and, in return, were able to perform miracles,
offer supernatural protection, or give magical gifts. These supernatural beings often disagreed with
each other, which caused either unfortunate circumstances for the mortal or horrendous weather
conditions.
The Olympians:
The Olympians are the twelve Gods of Mount Olympus which is located in the northern central part of
Greece. These Gods (Goddesses) include: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Ares, Hermes, Hephaestus,
Aphrodite, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, and Hestia. In addition to these twelve Olympian deities are
Hades, who ruled the Underground realms with his queen, Persephone, and Hecate, who lived with
them. Hestia, goddess of the home and hearth, was replaced by Dionysus in the fifth century BCE.
This mountain was believed to be the highest point on Earth and sacred throughout ancient times. The
Gods that ruled Mount Olympus also ruled the lives of all mankind. Each and every single God (or
Goddess) had their own character and domain. Gods in mythology were very human like. They had
the strengths and weaknesses of mortals (as we know them today). They were truly made to represent
each and every side of human nature. They supported justice, as seen by their own point of view.
Gods even had children with mortals, which resulted in semi-gods such as Hercules. The most amazing
observation is how the Gods expressed human nature in its complete form. Strength, fear,
unfaithfulness, love admiration, beauty, hunting, farming, education, there was a God for every human
activity and expression. These Gods weren’t just ideal figures; they were beings with their own
limitations. They expressed anger, jealousy and joy, just like us. Each God ruled his own realm. The
only truly omnipotent God was Zeus, who ruled all!
Words/Terms to Know
Achaean(s) (n) – refers to the inhabitants or characteristics of the people of Achaea in Greece. However, the meaning of
Achaea changed during the course of Ancient history, and thus, Achaeans/Achaean may have several different meanings.
***Achaeans (Homer), a name used by Homer in the Iliad and the Odyssey for Mycenaean-era Greeks in general.
Arete (n) –
Epic (n) – A long narrative poem that tells about the adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and values of a nation or
race.
Novel vs. Epic
Novel: Prose (The ordinary form of written or spoken language.)

There is a plot that follows a linear progression.

Progression of the narrative (A story is unfolding.)

Written/Read (a more intimate experience)
Epic: Poetry (rhyme and meter)

Not a linear progression

Presents structural parallels to stimulate thinking

Oral/Listen
Epic Hero (n) – A larger than life figure, usually male, who embodies the ideals of a nation or race. Epic heroes take part in
long, dangerous adventures and accomplish great deeds that require courage and super human strength. Odysseus, the hero
in the Odyssey, displays some of the qualities that were honored in Greek society. However, because he is human, he also
displays some human faults (epic flaw). The actions of a true epic hero will often change the fate of a nation or a people.
Epic Simile (n) –
Epithet (n) – A descriptive word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing, which has
become a fixed formula.
The epithet is one of the most noticeable features of the Odyssey. Epithet comes from the Greek ‘for putting (something) on
(something).’ It is a tag or nickname that can be used on its own or together with the real name, depending on other features
of the Greek language. Epithets add a bit of color and also fill out the meter when the name on its own doesn't quite fit. In
addition, the epithet serves as a mnemonic device reminding listeners that they have, indeed, already heard mention of the
character. The epithet generally compounds adjectives and is picturesque, which certainly helps make the character
memorable.Most of the important people in the Odyssey have a special epithet that serves as an extra name. For instance,
Athena is the only one described as glaucopis 'grey-eyed.’ She is called thea glaukopis Athene 'goddess grey-eyed Athena'
and also Pallas Athene 'Pallas Athena'.
Note: You may notice that Homer never calls the Greeks 'Greeks.' Sometimes they are ‘Achaeans.’ As Achaeans they receive the epithets 'well-greaved' or 'brazen-clad
Achaeans'.
Hubris (n) –
“in medias res” – (into the middle of things) is a Latin phrase denoting the literary and artistic narrative technique wherein
the relation of a story begins either at the mid-point or at the conclusion, rather than at the beginning (cf. ab ovo, ab initio),
establishing setting, character, and conflict via flashback and expository conversations relating the pertinent past. The main
advantage of in medias res is to open the story with dramatic action rather than exposition which sets up the characters and
situation. It can be employed in any narrative genre, epic poetry, novels, plays, or film.
Kleos (n) – means “fame on the lips of men.” It is a Greek word often translated to "renown," or "glory." It is
related to the word "to hear" and carries the implied meaning of "what others hear about you." A Greek hero
earns kleos through accomplishing great deeds, often through his own death. Kleos is invariably transferred from
father to son; the son is responsible for carrying on and building upon the "glory" of the father.
Muse (n) – In Greek mythology, poetry, and literature, are the goddesses who inspire the creation of literature and the arts.
They were considered the source of the knowledge, related orally for centuries in the ancient culture that was contained in
poetic lyrics and myths. The compliment to a real woman who inspires creative endeavor is a later idea.
Odyssey (n) – a long series of wanderings or adventures, esp. when filled with notable experiences, hardships, etc.
*In Greek the verb “To odysseus” (odyssasthai) is usually said to mean “be wroth against,” “hate.” In the Odyssey it essentially
means “to cause pain, and to be willing to do so.”
Proem (n) – Introduction
Telemachy (n) – is the first four books of the Odyssey. The focus is on Telemachus, Odysseus’s son.
Xenia (n) – The Greek concept of hospitality, or generosity and courtesy shown to those who are far from
home. It is often translated as "guest-host friendship" (or "ritualized friendship") because the rituals of
hospitality created and expressed a reciprocal relationship between guest and host.
Additional Terms:
The Story of Orestes
In Greek mythology, Orestes was the prince who avenged the murder of his father, King
Agamemnon of Mycenae, by killing his own mother, Clytemnestra. Orestes' sisters Iphigenia and
Electra play important roles in his story. A number of ancient writers and artists, including
Greek playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides, have been inspired by the myth of Orestes.
Orestes was still a child when Agamemnon sailed off to fight in the Trojan War. While the king
was away, Clytemnestra took a lover, Aegisthus. She may have been driven to infidelity
(unfaithfulness) by a desire for revenge. To obtain favorable winds to carry his ships to Troy,
Agamemnon had sacrificed their young daughter Iphigenia to the goddess Artemis.
When Agamemnon returned to Mycenae at the end of the war, he was murdered by his wife
and her lover. Aegisthus seized the throne. Electra feared that her young brother Orestes, the
true heir to the throne, might be in danger, and she took him to stay with their father's old
friend King Strophius of Phocis. Strophius raised Orestes with his own son Pylades, and the
two boys became close friends.
When he grew up, Orestes visited Delphi and asked the oracle* of Apollo what he should do to
avenge his father's murder. The oracle replied that Orestes must kill his mother and her lover.
So Orestes and his friend Pylades went to Mycenae disguised as messengers, and they met
secretly with Electra to plan the murders. Then with the help of Electra and Pylades, Orestes
killed Aegisthus and Clytemnestra, despite her pleas that a son should not kill his own mother.
There are various versions of what happened next. In some accounts, Orestes received praise
for avenging his father's murder. In others, the crime of matricide—the murder of one's
mother—was seen as a great sin that deserved great punishment. In these stories, Orestes was
pursued relentlessly by the Furies, female spirits of justice and vengeance who drove men mad.
In the version of the story told by Aeschylus, Orestes sought refuge from the Furies
at Delphi, home of the oracle that had ordered him to avenge his father's death. Through the
oracle, Apollo instructed Orestes to go to Athens and present his case to the Areopagus, an
ancient court of elders. During the trial that followed, Orestes received the support of Apollo
as well as that of the goddess Athena*, who cast the deciding vote in his favor. The angry
Furies were eventually calmed, and they stopped pursuing Orestes.
In another version of Orestes' story, told by the Greek playwright Euripides, the verdict of
the Areopagus did not soothe the Furies. Apollo told Orestes that he could put an end to
their torment if he went to Tauris, a land of dangerous barbarians, and recovered a sacred
statue of Artemis. Orestes and Pylades journeyed to Tauris but were captured by the
barbarians. They were brought before the head priestess, who happened to be Orestes' sister
Iphigenia. Iphigenia had been rescued from the sacrifice at Aulis before the Trojan War. She
helped Orestes and Pylades escape with the statue, and she returned with them to Greece.
Upon returning to Greece, Orestes became ruler of Mycenae and Argos. Eventually he married
Hermione, the daughter of Menelaus and Helen of Sparta.
Oracle - priest or priestess or other creature through whom a god is believed to speak; also the location
(such as a shrine) where such words are spoken
Source: http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Ni-Pa/Orestes.html
The Furies
In Greek and Roman mythology, the Furies were female spirits of justice and vengeance. They were also called the Erinyes
(angry ones). Known especially for pursuing people who had murdered family members, the Furies punished their victims by
driving them mad. When not punishing wrongdoers on earth, they lived in the underworld and tortured the damned.
According to some stories, the Furies were sisters born from the blood of Uranus, the primeval god of the sky,
when he was wounded by his son Cronus. In other stories, they were the children of Nyx (night). In either case,
their primeval origin set them apart from the other deities of the Greek and Roman pantheons.
Most tales mention three Furies: Allecto (endless), Tisiphone (punishment), and Megaera (jealous rage). Usually
imagined as monstrous, foul-smelling hags, the sisters had bats' wings, coal-black skin, and hair entwined with
serpents. They carried torches, whips, and cups of venom with which to torment wrongdoers. The Furies could also
appear as storm clouds or swarms of insects.
underworld land of the dead
deity god or goddess
pantheon the gods of a particular mythology considered collectively
Citation:
http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Fi-Go/Furies.html
Guided Reading Questions
Directions: As you read the text, use the following questions to guide your note taking. Answer the questions/take notes on a
separate sheet of paper. Leave space in between your answers to take additional notes during the class discussion.
Book I: Athena Inspires the Prince
Due Date: ______________________________
1. What is the function of the proem (introduction)?
 Brief summary of The Odyssey
 Learned about Odysseus:
a. Trojan War; trying to get home
b. “man of twists and turns” (unpredictable, deceptive, travelled with obstacles along the way)
 Thematic Ideas: Man is responsible for his own actions: “The recklessness of their own ways
destroyed them all.”
2. Why do the gods call an assembly?
 To talk about Odysseus and his situation with Poseidon (god of the sea)
 he is trying to get back home but Poseidon is angry with him
 gods decide to help Odysseus get back home
 Athena is Odysseus’ champion (The goddess who looks out for him.)
 Hermes is being sent to see Odysseus. He is with Calypso (the sexy nymph), trapped on her island.
 Athena is going to Ithaca to see Odysseus son, Telemachus.
3. Who is Orestes and what did he do? SEE PG. 5 Of PACKET FOR THE FULL STORY.
Orestes avenged the murder of his father (Agamemnon) by killing his mother (Clymnestra) and her lover
(Aegisthus). Orestes is the model of a good son because he took revenge for his father. This story is
repeated several times in The Odyssey. (Repetition means importance) *Aegisthus stole Agamemnon’s wife
(Clymnestra) even though the Gods warned him [Aegisthus] not to kill Agamemnon, but he ignored them.
4. Who is Odysseus’ only enemy? Why? Poseidon (god of the sea): He blinded his son, the Cyclops.
5. Who is Mentes? How does Telemachus receive Mentes? Athena. Mentes is similar to mentor (a guide).
6. What is the significance of setting the first scene in Ithaca at dinner time? It is a ritualistic event; a display of
costumes and respect. Homer makes a contrast between the way in which Telemachus practices xenia and
the swaggering suitors ignore it.
7. Who are the suitors? How are they characterized? “Swaggering suitors”
 Rude & Greedy: “Not a care in the world… they feed on another’s goods and go scot free—“ (185187)
 “How obscenely they lounge and swagger here, look, gorging (devouring, consuming) in your
house” (264-265)
 “They lay waste my house!” 289
***They don’t practice xenia; they are taking advantage of Telemachus. They are eating Telemachus cattle
and using his home for entertainment (singing (bard), dancing, feasting, drinking wine, gambling). Although
they are there for Penelope, we don’t see them interact with her. They have overstayed their welcome.
8. Why does Athena send Telemachus on a journey to discover whether his father is dead or alive when she already
knows the answer? Athena’s advice to Telemachus lines 320-351.
 Go to the city of Pylos- King Nestor
 Go the city of Sparta – Menelaus (married to Helen “ The face that launched a thousand ships;
brother of Agamemnon)
 She wants him to go out in the world and become a man: “You must not cling to your boyhood any
longer—it’s time you were a man.” (341-342)

Orestes serves as the example of a good son who avenges the wrong done to his father. Athena
states that Telemachus must follow Orestes’ example: “Have you haven’t you heard what glory
Prince Orestes won throughout the world when he killed that cunning, murderous Aegisthus, who’d
killed his famous father?” (342-345) (Orestes mentioned earlier by Zeus.) *Story of Orestes is
repeated.
9. What do we learn about Odysseus in Book I?
 Poseidon is his enemy
 lines 294-310: He would take control of the situation. He would not allow the suitors to be
disrespectful.
10. Identify emerging themes in Book I.
 Xenia – At the heart of xenia is respect
 Loyalty – Loyalty is the glue that holds society together *Penelope is the “column the propped the
sturdy roof” (384)
 Leadership – A society without leadership is chaotic (Ithaca is in chaos since Odysseus’s absence.)
 A god son avenges is father and gains kleos (Exemplified by Orestes)
***Components of a good society: Leadership, xenia (at the heart of xenia is respect), assembly
Ithaca is in chaos because it is lacking these components.
Book II: Telemachus Sets Sail
Due Date: ______________________________
1. In Book II, Telemachus calls an assembly. What is the purpose of an assembly? When was the last time an
assembly was held in Ithaca? Why?
 Athena told him call an assembly. Assembly is a component of a good society (issues are discussed
and decisions are made.)
 Purpose – For Telemachus to take a leadership role. To address the disrespect of the suitors. He
asks the elders of Ithaca for a ship to sail on his journey.
 An assembly hasn’t been held since Odysseus left Ithaca. There has been a lack of leadership.
2. Zeus held an assembly in Book I. How does Telemachus’s assembly compare or contrast with Zeus’s? Consider the
following:
a. reason for the assembly
b. behavior of the participants
c. outcome of the assembly
Chart on next page.
Book I -- Assembly of the Gods
Reason: To address Odysseus’ situation, talk
about him coming home
Behavior: The gods/goddesses:
Athena
Zeus: leadership; he is respected by
his subordinates (the other gods/goddesses)
Civilized: not screaming; arguments, but with
respect, politeness (tone)
Outcome: Help Odysseus get back home to
Ithaca (consensus: agreement); Athena will go
to see Telemachus; Hermes will tell Calypso to
release Odysseus.
Book II – Assembly in Ithaca
Reason: Talk about the conflict with the suitors’ destroying
Telemachus’ property; being unruly/insubordinate; opportunity
for Tele to assert his authority; wants to address his grievances
Behavior: chaotic: audience is disrespectful; screaming,
disagreeing in a rude way
 Antinous: “…send your mother back! Direct her to marry /
whomever her father picks…” (125-126)
“we will devour your wordlly goods and wealth” (136)
 Eurymachus: “Stop old man! / Go home and babble your
omens to your children…”
 Elders are acting as bystanders; they are not standing up
to the suitors; Mentor “Sitting here in silence… / never a
word put forth to curb these suitors,” (269-270)
Outcome: No agreement; disillusion; The meeting ends in chaos.
Telemachus’ grievances (complaints) have not been addressed. In
fact, the suitors have made more demands and threats.
3. Why do you think Homer creates this parallel between Books I and II?
To demonstrate how a well-society functions: leadership, assembly, respect
To highlight the chaotic state Ithaca is in since it’s leader is absent.
(to show the contrast)
4. Describe Telemachus (physically and emotionally) throughout the course of the assembly. Do you think he is fulfilling
his role as the son of Odysseus?
Lines 87-88 “He was filled with anger, down on the ground he dashed the speaker’s scepter – bursting into
tears.” He emotionally falls apart.
At first he is calm, but assertive. He is trying to take control. “…but with calm good sense, Telemachus
replied” (143)
Resigning to the fact that the suitors aren’t going to change, so he prays to Zeus to take vengeance.
5. Describe the trick that Penelope plays on the suitors. What does this tell us about her character?
She is using a loom to make a shroud (a cover used for burial)
She works on it during the day and takes it apart at night. (line 119-122)
The suitors describe her as “the matchless queen of cunning (sly, sneaky, shrewd).”(line 95)
***Penelope is connected to Odysseus in the sense that they are tricky. Odysseus is the man of “twists and turns.”
6. What specifically does Athena do to help Telemachus in this book?
Lines 421-430: Athena morphs (changes form) into Telemachus (making him a more glorious version of
himself), roams through town to gather crew members for Telemachus’s trip out into the world. Because she
is a really a Goddess, she is able to portray a strong version of the Prince.
1. Gathers the crew
2. Chooses the ship and drags it down to the shore and rigs it and stocks it up with supplies
3. Showered “sweet oblivion over the suitors,” (knocked them out) so they wouldn’t do anything to hinder
Telemachus journey.
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7. Identify emerging themes in the text or the reinforcement of previously determined themes.
 Xenia – At the heart of xenia is respect (Telemachus addresses the lack of xenia on the part of the
suitors in his grievances during the meeting. He tells the elders in Ithaca that he rather they were the
ones in his house because he knows they would repay him.)
 Loyalty – Loyalty is the glue that holds society together (Telemachus reminds the people that
Odysseus was a good leader. Penelope’s refusal to marry a suitor demonstrates her loyalty to
Odysseus)
 Leadership – A society without leadership is chaotic
 A god son avenges is father and gains kleos Lines 162-165 “I will cry out to the everlasting gods in
hopes that Zeus will pay you back with a vengeance.” (This is a value of the ancient Greeks.)
 Xenia – At the heart of xenia is respect
Book III: King Nestor Remembers
Due Date: ______________________________
1. What event is taking place at the beginning of Book III? Why is this significant?
*Feasting is a motif (a repeated pattern or idea). This is important because it is the times when rituals are
practiced that include respect for each other. It is a time when xenia is practiced if guests are present.
2. Note the differences between Odysseus’ Kingdom and Nestor’s Kingdom. Consider the following:
a. relationship with the gods
b. xenia
c. leadership/social structure
Ithaca – Odysseus’s Kingdom (Books I & II)
Relationship to the Gods:
Xenia:
Leadership/Social Structure:
Pylos – Nestor’s Kingdom (Book III)
Relationship to the Gods:
Sacrificing “sleek black bulls” to Poseidon; whole feast is for Poseidon
Wine is offered up and drunk in honor of the gods: “all men need the
gods” (54)
Xenia:
As soon as they saw the stranger, all came crowding down, waving them
on in welcome, urging them to sit.” (38-39)
Leadership/Social Structure:
Respect for elders: Mentor (Athena) is given the wine first because he is
the elder “…the man is younger, just about my age. That’s why I give the
gold cup first to you.” ((58)
3. Why do you think Homer creates such a sharp contrast between the two kingdoms?
To highlight the differences between a society in chaos and a well-run society. The components of a well-run
society are:
 The practice of xenia
 Respect for the Gods
 Respects for the elders
 Strong leadership and Social Structure
4. Why does Homer have Nestor tell the story of Orestes? (This story has now been told three times.)
To reinforce the qualities of a good son. Taps into the themes of revenge and kleos.
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5. Telemachus travels to Pylos to inquire if Nestor has any information with regard to Odysseus. Nestor knows nothing.
Why does Homer send Telemachus to someone who knows nothing?
He uses Telemachus’s journey to provide examples of a well-run society.
Also possibly to problem solve: Telemachus does not have a father figure, but must find a way to step into
his role as a leader.
6. Identify emerging themes in the text or the reinforcement of previously determined themes. All themes are further
developed.
a. Xenia – At the heart of xenia is respect
b. Loyalty – Loyalty is the glue that holds society together
c. Leadership – A society without leadership is chaotic
d. A god son avenges is father and gains kleos
Book IV: The King and Queen of Sparta
Due Date: ______________________________
1. Although Athena is no longer travelling with Telemachus, he has gained a new travel companion. Explain.
Nestor’s son, Pisistratus, is with him. This signifies (symbolizes) that Telemachus is growing up and
becoming independent.
*Athena was serving as a mentor, a guide to inspire him
2. What event is being celebrated in Sparta when Telemachus arrives? What is the significance of this event
A double wedding. The wedding highlights customs/rituals, assembly/mass gathering of the people,
feasting, and xenia.





Xenia: Chastises his servant for questioning whether or not to invite the guests in when they first
arrive: “The red haired king took great offense at that…just think of all the hospitality we enjoyed at
the hands of other men before we made it home.” (39)
o “Quick, unhitch their team. And bring them in, stranger, guests to share our flowing feast.”
(41)
Humble/Respect for the Gods: “No man can rival Zeus.” (87)
He is grieving (sad) because of the aftermath of the Trojan War:
o Menelaus is wealthy: “I rule all this wealth with no great joy” (103)
o Regretful: “Would to god I’d stayed right here in my house with a third of all that wealth and
they were still alive.” (108-109)
o Lines 112-118: “And still much as I weep for all my men, grieving sorely…”
He greatly admires Odysseus:
o (120) “No Achean labored as hard as Odysseus labored or achieved so much.”
Regretful /Guilty:
o Odysseus is missing and probably suffering: “He struggled, suffered all for me.” (168)
o Agamemnon was murdered by his wife and lover. Agamemnon’s wife, Clytemnestra,
deceived him (love affair) while he was in battle and plotted his death with Aegisthus: “A
stranger killed my brother, blind to the danger” (101)
3. In this book, we meet Helen. Who is she and how is she characterized? How does she compare or contrast with
Penelope?
***In fiction, a foil is a character who contrasts with another character in order to highlight particular qualities
of the other character. Helen is a foil for Penelope: (Both are queens and married to leaders, so they have an
important position in society.) Helen is disloyal and Penelope is loyal: Penelope’s loyalty is keeping the
society together/or from completely falling apart. Helen’s disloyalty caused destruction of society
(chaos/war/the death of many great men).
 Regretful/Guilty: “Shameless whore that I was.” (162) – She left Menelaus for Paris and caused the
Trojan War.
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
Line 245 “She [Helen] slipped a drug into a mixing bowl” – The drug is to help the men forget their pain
and suffering.
 Penelope is standing beside a pillar when we first meet her – symbolic significance – she is the
support/pillar holding up the Ithaca society. (Book I)
 Helen is introduced as being supported by three other women and she sits down. (Book 4)
 While Penelope is associated with a pillar, Helen is associated with a pain-relieving drug:
o “She slipped a drug, heart’s-ease, dissolving anger, magic that makes us all forget our
pain”
4. How does the Spartan society compare or contrast with the other societies in the text?
Similar to Pylos in that they respect the gods, practice xenia, have a strong leader (social
structure/assemble)…
However, this society is sad/grieving because it is damaged/broken society because of Helen’s
disloyalty/deception.
5. How has Telemachus changed throughout the course of his journey? He has gained confidence.
Lines 668-690ish: He contradicts a king, but he does it with “tact.” He is becoming a better speaker/skilled
rhetorician. ***Homer is creating a new kind of hero/man – one that is not only physically superior, but
intelligent/good with words/persuasion.
6. Homer devotes the final section of Book IV to the developing situation in Ithaca. Why do you think he does this?
7. Identify emerging themes in the text or the reinforcement of previously determined themes.
Words to Know:
Juxtaposition – an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.
Utopia - a community or society possessing highly desirable or near perfect qualities
Book V: Odysseus – Nymph and Shipwreck
Due Date: ______________________________
1. In your own words, describe the introduction of the epic’s hero. Identify the irony.
2. What do we learn about Odysseus based on his first speech?
3. Is xenia demonstrated in Book V? If yes, explain.
4. Book V focuses on a life outside of civilization. Cite evidence that Calypso lives outside of civilization.
5. Odysseus’s building of the raft is the first action we see him take in the poem. What do we learn about Odysseus in
this scene?
6. Identify emerging themes in the text or the reinforcement of previously determined themes.
Book VI: The Princess and the Stranger
Due Date: ______________________________
1. How does Homer begin his introduction of the Phaeacians by immediately connecting them to both the monstrous
and the divine? What is the effect of the connections?
2. How is Nausicaa characterized?
3. Is xenia demonstrated in Book VI? If yes, explain.
4. The *juxtaposition of the turbulent storm in which Odysseus is almost drowned and the calm, paradise-like
environment of Scheria in which Odysseus wakes serves to highlight the *utopian nature of the Phaeacian world.
However, like Calypso’s island, initial appearances may not represent what is real. Identify clues that Odysseus is in
danger.
5. How might Nausicaa’s character present a danger for Odysseus?
6. Identify emerging themes in the text or the reinforcement of previously determined themes.
Books VII: Phaecia’s Halls and Gardens & Book VIII: A Day for Songs and Contests
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Due Date: ______________________________
As Odysseus enters the city of Phaeacia, he is shrouded by the goddess in a mist. Here he meets Athena in disguise and is
shown to the palace. It is important to notice the parallels between this short journey into the city and Telemachus’s journey to
Pylos and Sparta. As you search for the parallels, cite evidence from the text when necessary.
Telemachus’s Journey
(Books 2-4)
Telemachus is guided by Athena in disguise.
(Books 2-4)
Odysseus’s Journey
(Books 7-8)
Athena encourages Telemachus to “be bold.”
(Book 3)
Telemachus marvels at the city of Sparta.
(Book 4)
A simile used to describe Menelaus’s palace.
(Book 4, Line 52)
Telemachus calls an assembly at which he
seeks a ship. (Book 2)
Telemachus weeps upon hearing the story of
his father. (Book 4)
Telemachus hears a version of the wooden
horse story. (Book 4)
Why do you think Homer creates these parallels?
Book IX: In the One-Eyed Giant’s Cave
Due Date: ______________________________
1. Who are the Lotus eaters? What effect does the lotus plant have on Odysseus’ men?
2. Identify foreshadowing at the beginning of Book IX. What is being foreshadowed?
3. Note the differences between the Cyclops’s society and the societies of Pylos and Sparta. Consider the following:
a. relationship with the gods
b. xenia
c. social order
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Cyclops
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Pylos and Sparta
How does Odysseus demonstrate that he is a man of “twists and turns” in Book IX?
In Book IX, Odysseus displays an instance of *hubris. This is his tragic flaw. Explain.
What did a soothsayer once predict would happen to the Cyclops?
What does the Cyclops ask his father Poseidon to do for him?
Identify emerging themes in the text or the reinforcement of previously determined themes.
*Arrogance; excessive self-pride and self-confidence. In Greek tragic heroes this leads them to ignore warnings from the gods
and thus invites catastrophe.
Book X: The Bewitching Queen of Aeaea
Due Date: ______________________________
1. Who is the god of wind? What favor does he do for Odysseus and his men?
2. How do Odysseus’ men demonstrate “reckless behavior” in the beginning of Book X?
3. Who are the Laestrygonians? What do they have in common with the Cyclops?
4. Identify foreshadowing at the beginning of Book X. What is being foreshadowed?
5. Who is Odysseus’ guardian in Book 10 and how does he/she help Odysseus?
6. Who opposes Odysseus in Book X? Why?
7. What instructions does Circe give Odysseus?
8. Identify emerging themes in the text or the reinforcement of previously determined themes.
Book XI: The Kingdom of the Dead
Due Date: ______________________________
1. What does Odysseus do to call the souls of the dead to him?
2. Who is Teiresias and what does Odysseus want from him?
3. What does Teiresias predict for Odysseus?
4. What should Odysseus do to the suitors at his house?
5. What does Teiresias say Odysseus should do after dealing with the suitors?
6. What is the name of Odysseus’s mother and how did she die?
7. Why can’t Odysseus hug his dead mother?
8. Identify emerging themes in the text or the reinforcement of previously determined themes.
Book XII: The Cattle of the Sun
Due Date: ______________________________
1. What is Odysseus’s first act after leaving Hades and returning to Circe’s island?
2. Circe serves as Odysseus’s guardian in Book XII. She presents him with three scenarios to come. Describe each one and
the advice that She gives Odysseus.
a. Sirens
b. Scylla and Charybdis
c. Helios’s Cattle
3. Why does Odysseus tell his men of the dangers of the Sirens, but not of the deaths that will be caused by Scylla? I
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4. How does Odysseus display hubris in Book XII?
5. Describe the circumstances of Odysseus’s shipmates’ deaths. Is Odysseus at fault?
6. What agreement between two gods does Calypso explain to Odysseus? What impression does this give you of the Greek
gods?
7. Identify emerging themes in the text or the reinforcement of previously determined themes.
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN
CHARACTERISTIC
THE ODYSSEY
Has a hero who is a figure of national importance
and of noble birth
Involves a long, dangerous journey
Has a setting that is large in scale
Involves supernatural beings and events
Has a style that is formal
Begins “in medias res” (in the middle) rather than
at the beginning
Uses epithets
Usually contains 24 books or parts
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