The Odyssey
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From a Greek word
meaning tale of
Odysseus.
Concerned with the
adventures and
exploits of Odysseus,
hero of Trojan War.
Time line
Popularity
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Most popular epic of Western culture.
Its chief character, Odysseus, (Ulysses in
Latin/Roman literature), has inspired more
literary works than any other legendary
hero.
Ingredients of a best-seller—pathos,
romance, violence, a strong, resilient hero,
hardships for him to overcome.
Popularity of Odyssey
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A romantic story of exploits in strange
places.
A more or less realistic approach to
characterization.
Soundly constructed plot.
Homer’s beautiful descriptions.
One of greatest adventure stories of all
times.
Genre
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Story is an epic poem. Follows the
definition of an epic.
Odysseus is an epic hero.
Story also has many attributes of the
romance—marvelous story more inclined
to fantasy than realistic interpretation.
Plot line
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Homecoming of Odysseus ten years after
the Trojan War ended.
Immediate action takes place over a few
weeks.
The end of Odysseus’ wanderings and his
restoration of order at home.
Odysseus narrates his earlier adventures.
Plot line
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Odysseus’ enemy is Poseidon, god of the
sea.
Odysseus’ home, Ithaca, is an island, so
he must cross the sea in order to return
home.
Odysseus must use his endless resources:
cunning, courage, and stubbornness.
Character of Odysseus
Ideal
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Greek hero
Eloquent
Courageous
Resourceful
Crafty
Worldly
Persevering
Real strength lies in his brain
Odysseus
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Is the darling of Athena, who aids him
whenever possible.
Is a survivor: prudent, wise, perhaps a bit
cold.
You would not want to be on a ship with
him.
Odysseus as hero
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Although ideal in many ways, he is much
closer to common man.
Does not have youth and beauty of
Achilles.
Mortal but royal.
Middle-aged, short; awkward appearance.
Odysseus as hero
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While not physically striking, he has
supreme skill in speech and conversation.
Is an able, energetic man.
Has courage to endure what gods send.
Has wit enough to escape many
difficulties.
Despite intelligence, sometimes displays
lack of common sense.
Odysseus
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Greatest desire is to return home to his
wife Penelope and his son Telemachus.
Is tempted NOT to return home many
times.
Importance of homecoming; heroic
longing for the commonplace.
Embrace of ordinary reality in world of
fantasy.
Odysseus’ family tree
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Laertes and Anticlea
Odysseus
and Penelope
Telemachus
Comparison of Iliad and Odyssey
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Iliad
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Subject is warfare and
debate.
Poem is highly
dramatic.
Outcome is tragic.
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Odyssey
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Charm comes from
adventure and social
life.
Less passionate than
Iliad.
Ends happily for
Odysseus, but
tragically for suitors.
Concepts from Iliad
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Reciprocity
Leadership
Heroes
Councils
Feasts
Codes
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Supplication
Hospitality
Honor
Odyssey
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Focus on adventures in strange lands.
Magic is prominent.
Social life is emphasized.
Women play greater role than in Iliad.
Contrast homecomings
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Agamemnon’s return to Argos
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Clytemnesta—disloyal
Aegisthus, her lover
Orestes—son of Agamemnon and
Clytemnestra