The Odyssey
Literary Terms
Background
Greek History
December, 2014
Genre
• EPIC POEM
• A long narrative poem
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Begins w/ invocation
Adventure
Heroic Figure
Setting is vast
Supernatural forces
Serious tone (elevated language)
The Epic Hero
• An epic’s central
character
• Larger-than-life figure
from history
• Undertakes a
dangerous voyage
• Demonstrates loyalty,
courage, and honor
• Valued by society
Literary Techniques
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Repeated description
Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Epithet
Foreshadowing
Simile
• A comparison between two things using
“like” or “as”
• Example: “…and leaned on it turning it as a shipwright turns a
drill in planking,…” (p.992)
Metaphor
• A comparison between two things without
using “like” or “as”
• Example: “Why bait the beast again?” (p.996)
Personification
• Describing an object by giving it human
qualities
• Example: “…The Cyclops bellowed
him…” (p.992)
and the rock roared round
Epithet
• Short, descriptive title
• A characterizing word or phrase associated
with a person or thing
• Example: “Richard the Lion-Hearted”
“…the young Dawn with fingertips of rose” (p.990)
Foreshadowing
• Clues that suggest events that have yet to
occur
• Creates suspense
Archetype
• The most typical example of a particular
kind of person or thing; ideal example
• Universally recognized
• Examples: the mother figure, the wise old
man, the child, or the hero
The Greek Hero
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Strong in mind and body
High social standing
Actions affect others
Struggle against human weakness
The Hero’s Journey
• CYCLE:
• Hero possesses supernatural
ability
• Charged with a quest
• Hero is tested
• Travels to supernatural world
• Hero nearly gives up
• A resurrection: moves from
defeat to triumph
• Restitution: regains rightful
place on throne
Hubris
• Excessive pride or self-confidence
• Arrogance
• Think about Achilles in Troy.
The Odyssey
• Begins “in medias res”
• In the middle of things
The Iliad
• The prequel to The Odyssey
• Concerned with the events of the Trojan War
• Written by Homer
The Trojan War
Historical Context
• Fought between Spartans and Trojans
• Spartans- from Sparta
V.
• Trojans- from Troy
Map of Ancient Greece
Where is Greece?
The Odyssey
A Journey Home
• King Odysseus fought on behalf of the
Spartans.
• He attempts to return home, Ithaca, after 10
years at war.
• Gods, Poseidon, are angered by Odysseus’
pride and curse him to wander the earth.
The Journey
Characters
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Odysseus- King of Ithaca
Penelope- Queen of Ithace
Telemachus- son of Odysseus & Penelope
Agememnon- leader of the Greek forces
Polyphemus (Cyclops)- son of Poseidon
Poseidon- god of the sea
Calypso- sea goddess who loves Odysseus
Circe- enchantress who helps Odysseus