The Odyssey a graphic novel by Gareth Hinds
Reading Guide
Directions: Use this reading guide with your partner as you move through the graphic novel. You can record your responses on under the questions. Be sure to also record any of your own reactions and/or ideas as well. Consider both the content as well as the interpretations made by the author.
Book 1: Ithaca and Olympus
What conflict is presented in Book 1?
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Book 2: Counsel
Focus on Telemachus’s sudden confidence. What can it be attributed to?
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Book 3: Pylos
Focus on the help that Telemachus receives from his father’s friend. Explain.
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Book 4: Sparta
From Pylos, Telemachus travels to Sparta to see King Menelaus. At this point, the reader understands what about Odysseus?
What important information is revealed?
Characterize the gods in a few sentences.
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Book 5: Ogygia
On page 57, what emotion is passing between Odysseus and Calypso?
This book begins Odysseus’s return home, consider the parts of a quest. Which seem to be present in this book?
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Book 6: Phaecia
Make a prediction. At the end of this short book, the reader is left to wonder why the girl is gesturing to
Odysseus. Do you think she will help or hinder him? Why? (pg. 77)
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Book 7: King Alcinoos
On page 79 explain using the drawings what Odysseus might be thinking as he enters the palace.
Consider how Odysseus is received. What characteristics does he display?
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Book 8: Games
The Phaecians display their strengths and then one makes the mistake of insulting Odysseus. We see a different side to Odysseus’s personality. Explain.
Express what is going on as the bard is playing on page 88.
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Book 9: Odysseus’s Story Begins
This part of the story is conveyed through what literary device?
This book begins Odysseus’s fleet landing at the Cicones. What ethics and morals are demonstrated in this book?
With a partner discuss the way the author has chosen to convey the mood. Also consider the character traits needed to escape Polyphemus.
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Book 10: Aeolus and Circe
Be attentive to Odysseus’s mental strengths.
Do you believe that Kind Aeolia was justified in his reaction to Odysseus and his men?
Consider the previous book to make predictions regarding Odysseus’s siting of Ithaca
Write down three examples that demonstrate parts of the quest from this book.
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Book 11: The Land of the Dead
Make a prediction as to whether the men will be “disciplined.” (130)
Why might the author briefly bring the reader back to the present?
Research the reference to the wooden horse on page 131.
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Book 12: Scylla and Charybdis
The idea of “fate” plays a major role in this book. Explain.
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Book 13: Home at Last
Why will it be important for Odysseus to return home disguised?
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Book 14: The Swineland and Book 15: Telemachus Returns
What is the purpose of Books 14 and 15?
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Book 16: Father and Son
What heroic characteristics are displayed in this book?
What role does vengeance play in this quest?
Briefly describe the Father-Son plan.
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Book 17: Stranger at the Gate
It is important the Odysseus remain disguised. Why? What is learned?
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Book 18: Beauty and Blows
What important event takes place in this book to create advantage?
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Book 19: Penelope
Dreams play a significant role in mythology. Explain the role of the dream in this book.
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Book 20: Signs and Visions
What is Athena’s role in this book? Explain and connect to earlier books.
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Book 21: The Bow
What character trait will be the downfall of the suitors?
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Book 22: Death in the Hall
Summarize the battle in a short paragraph. Be sure to reveal the tone and mood conveyed.
*Compare Hind’s interpretation of the battle to Fitzgerald’s interpretation.
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Book 23: Odysseus and Penelope
Is Penelope’s reaction to Odysseus’s return justified?
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Book 24: Peace
What can be learned from the choices made in this last book?
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Personal reactions and notes (include a date and book number)
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