The Odyssey
What personal qualities does it take to
be a hero in this day and age?
Who do you know that you consider to be a
hero? Why?
An extended narrative poem
recounting actions, travels,
adventures, and heroic
episodes.
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The main character or protagonist
is heroically larger than life, often
the source and subject of legend or
a national hero
The deeds of the hero are
presented without favoritism,
revealing his failings as well as his
virtues
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The action, often in battle, reveals the morethan-human strength of the heroes as they
engage in acts of heroism and courage.
The setting covers several nations, the whole
world, or even the universe .
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The episodes, even though
they may be fictional,
provide an explanation for
some of the circumstances or
events in the history of a
nation or people.
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The main character is a hero who possesses
supernatural abilities.
The hero is charged with a quest.
The hero is tested to prove his worthiness.
The hero is often helped by mythical or magical
beings.
The hero travels to supernatural worlds.
The hero feels defeated and nearly gives up.
Resurrection
Restitution – regains rightful position.
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List three characteristics of an epic
hero.
Create a super-hero using these
characteristics.
Write a brief news article describing
an incident involving your new
super-hero.
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Brief descriptive phrases that help characterize
a person or thing.
Examples –
Odysseus is master mariner or old contender
The ocean is wine dark sea
Using what you know about
epithets create one describing
someone you know well.
2. Share your epithet with a friend
and see if they can guess who you
are describing.
1.
A comparison of two unlike things using like or
as which goes on at great length and detail.
Also called Homeric Simile
Three definitions of 'SIMILE':
A direct comparison between two things essentially unlike each
other, but resembling each other in at least one way, usually using
the words 'like' or 'as'.
A figure of speech in which an explicit comparison is made
between two essentially unlike things, usually using 'like', 'as' or
'than', as in Burns', "O, my luve's like A Red, Red Rose" or
Shelley's "As still as a brooding dove," in "The Cloud."
A figure of speech that makes an explicit comparison between two
things by using words such as 'like', 'as', 'than', 'appears', and
'seems'. The effectiveness of the simile is created by the differences
between the two things compared, and it is the job of the simile
itself to suggest the important ways in which the two are similar.
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Find an epic simile on page 936 in which
Homer describes the monster Scylla.
Create your own epic simile comparing any
creature you choose from the Odyssey with
something else using highly descriptive
language and imagery.
Share your epic simile with a partner and see if
they can guess which creature you chose.
 Find
an epithet on page 898.
 Find a metaphor on page 899.
 Find an epic simile on page
907.
Write each example down
in your notes.
Odysseus has encountered many
horrific creatures and dangerous
challenges while on his adventure.
Which creature or challenge do you
believe is most terrifying? Use
details to explain your response.
Homer’s epic adventure is filled
with many lessons for Odysseus.
What lessons do you believe may be
themes or universal ideas that can be
applied across time and culture?
How are these themes relevant to
you?
Choose a character from the list
below and write a personal diary
entry from his or her perspective
considering that character’s role in
the story.
Polyphemus
Circe
Antinous
Telemachus
Calypso
Penelope
Read the poem “Ithaka” on page 971 in
your literature textbook. Write a response
including the following:
1. What does Ithaka symbolize?
2. What kind of adventures do you hope to
have in your life?
3. What exotic places do you want to visit if
any?
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Read Pages 890 & 891 in your
textbook.
Find examples in The Odyssey of an
epithet and an epic simile. Copy the
example in your notes and include
the page number and line number
where you find it in the text.