The Odyssey – Part Two: Coming Home
Test Review
• Know the Challenges
• Hospitality
• Character Traits
• Telemachus
• Argos
• Penelope
• Eumaeus
• Philoeteus
• Antinous
• Eurycleia
• Eurynome
The Odyssey – Part Two: Coming Home
Test Review
• Elements of Epic Poems
• Elements of Epic Heroes
• Theme
• Homeric Epithet
• Dramatic Irony
• Epic Simile or Homeric Simile
• Paraphrase
• Summarize
• Odysseus’s goals
• Vocabulary
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
READING FOCUS
Quick Check
1. Why does Telemachus think Odysseus is a god?
2. How does Argos recognize Odysseus?
3. What is the contest with the bow, and how will
Penelope reward the winner?
4. Before trying the bow, Odysseus reveals himself to two
people. Why does he confide in them?
5. How does Penelope test Odyssey?
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
READING FOCUS
Read with a Purpose
6. How does Odysseus use his strength and cunning to
overcome his enemies in Part Two?
Reading Skills: Reading an Epic
7. Reading Skills: Reading an Epic *Summary Chart
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
LITERARY FOCUS
Literary Analysis
8. Literary Perspectives – Epic heroes rarely deal with
ordinary people, but Odysseus treats Eumaeus and the
cowherd with respect. What idea about life does this
episode convey?
9. Analyze – What character traits does Penelope reveal in
her interactions with Odysseus when he is disguised as
a beggar?
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
LITERARY FOCUS
Literary Analysis
10. Infer – What does the interaction between Odysseus
and Penelope in lines 1348-1418 tell you about their
relationship?
11. Evaluate – Do you think Odysseus’s revenge on the
suitors and maids is excessive? Explain and Defend
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
LITERARY FOCUS
Literary Skills: Epic Similes
12. Analyze – What epic simile in lines 1031-1033 describes
the feelings of father and son as they embrace after
twenty years?
13. Interpret – What is being compared in the epic simile in
the final passage of Book 23? What effect does this
simile create?
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
LITERARY FOCUS
Literary Skills Review: Foreshadowing
14. Analyze - Situational irony occurs when what happens
is different from what we expect. Why is it ironic that
Odysseus returns to Ithaca dressed as a beggar?
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
READING FOCUS
Quick Check
1. Why does Telemachus think Odysseus is a god?
Odysseus is transformed from a beggar in front of his eyes.
2. How does Argos recognize Odysseus?
Odysseus’s voice is familiar.
3. What is the contest with the bow, and how will Penelope
reward the winner?
Penelope will marry the man who can string Odysseus’s bow
and shoot an arrow through twelve ax-handle sockets.
4. Before trying the bow, Odysseus reveals himself to two
people. Why does he confide in them?
Needing their help, Odysseus reveals himself to
the swineherd and the cowherd.
5. How does Penelope test Odyssey?
Penelope tells her servant to move their marriage bed.
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
READING FOCUS
Read with a Purpose
6. How does Odysseus use his strength and cunning to
overcome his enemies in Part Two?
Odysseus wears a disguise to test his servants and to attack
the suitors; he uses his strength to string his bow
Reading Skills: Reading an Epic
7. Reading Skills: Reading an Epic *Summary Chart
You should be able to accurately summarize
all sections of the myth
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
LITERARY FOCUS
Literary Analysis
8. Literary Perspectives – Epic heroes rarely deal with
ordinary people, but Odysseus treats Eumaeus and the
cowherd with respect. What idea about life does this
episode convey?
All people deserve respect regardless of their social status.
9. Analyze – What character traits does Penelope reveal in
her interactions with Odysseus when he is disguised as
a beggar?
Penelope reveals her graciousness, kindness,
fairness, and caution.
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
LITERARY FOCUS
Literary Analysis
10. Infer – What does the interaction between Odysseus
and Penelope in lines 1348-1418 tell you about their
relationship?
Penelope and Odysseus are matched in
intelligence, tenacity, and devotion.
11. Evaluate – Do you think Odysseus’s revenge on the
suitors and maids is excessive? Explain and Defend!!!
No; the suitors abused his hospitality,
and the maids were disloyal.
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
LITERARY FOCUS
Literary Skills: Epic Similes
12. Analyze – What epic simile in lines 1031-1033 describes
the feelings of father and son as they embrace after
twenty years?
The feelings of father and son as they embrace
after twenty years are compared to a hawk whose
young have been taken before they can fly.
13. Interpret – What is being compared in the epic simile in
the final passage of Book 23? What effect does this
simile create?
Odysseus’s joy is compared to that of a half-drowned sailor
upon reaching land. The simile highlights the couple’s joy
at their reunion and grief over their separation.
Respond and Think Critically – page 1102
LITERARY FOCUS
Literary Skills Review: Foreshadowing
14. Analyze - Situational irony occurs when what happens
is different from what we expect. Why is it ironic that
Odysseus returns to Ithaca dressed as a beggar?
It is ironic because after all the trouble and time it has
taken Odysseus should be proud and happy to return to his
home and family.
What are the
Characteristics of an
Epic Hero?
Rank them from the quality most
easily seen in Odysseus to the
one he least demonstrates to
the readers.
Next to each quality tell what he
has done or said to make you
think he had that attribute.
Is Odysseus an Epic Hero?
1. Represents the values of the society
2. Is an Exceptional Person
3. Undertake difficult quests or journeys to
achieve something of tremendous value
to themselves or their people
4. Experience many obstacles or challenges
•
External Conflicts – created by forces of
nature (or the gods)
•
Internal Conflicts – they struggle to
overcome their own feelings or fears
What are the Characteristics
of an Epic Myth?
Rank them from the qualities
most easily seen in the
Odyssey to the ones least
apparent to the readers.
Is the Odyssey an Epic Myth?
1. A physically impressive hero of
national or historical importance
2. A vast setting
3. A quest or journey undertaken in
search of something of value
4. The involvement of supernatural
forces
5. A basis in a specific culture or
society
6. Characters struggling against fate
*Historic Context*
What are the Values and Beliefs
of the ancient Greeks as seen
in their Epics?
What can you learn about the culture
and virtues of the ancient Greeks
based on the events and
characters in the Odyssey?
Why do you think the Odyssey
includes these types of details?
Is the Odyssey an Epic Myth?
1. Polytheistic Religion
2. Nature was controlled by
gods/goddesses
3. Physical Strength
4. Intelligence and Cleverness
5. Hospitality and Treatment of
Strangers/Guests
6. Respect
7. Family
8. Fate and Destiny