Epithets & Names
Scylla's Symbols
A "theme" a
Penelope's Places
Polyphemus & Poseidon's Potpourri
100
Usually as a part of a character's name and often describing appearance or family relations, Homer used this poetic device to add rhythm and make characters more memorable.
What is an epithet?
100
At the end of the epic, Odysseus' strength, identity and superiority above the suitors is symbolized when Odysseus is the only one who is able to string this particular weapon.
What is Odysseus' bow? (bow is acceptable)
100
This theme is displayed by Athena's devotion to Odysseus, Odysseus, Penelope, & Telemachus' family relationship, and Odysseus' relationship with most of the gods. It is NOT displayed by Odysseus' shipmates or by the suitors, when they cheat and swindle the royal family.
What is loyalty?
100
"The other warriors, all those who had escaped being utterly destroyed, were now back safely home, facing no more dangers from battle or the sea. But Odysseus, who longed to get back to his wife and reach his home, was being held in a hollow cave by that mighty nymph Calypso, noble goddess, who wished to make Odysseus her husband. But as the seasons came and went, the year arrived in which, according to what gods had once ordained, he was to get back to ___________, his home—" (1:11-22)
What is Ithaca?
100
The blind Greek bard who is said to have written The Odyssey in about 7 or 8 BCE.
Who is Homer?
200
This sneaky and powerful goddess was often described by her eyes, depending on the situation. For example, "bright-eyed" or "clear-eyed".
Who is Athena?
200
Homer often uses simple, everyday things to symbolize greater meaning: even furniture. When Telemachus invites Athena into the palace, Homer uses the sizes of these pieces of furniture to symbolize Telemachus' hospitality and respect for Athena.
What are chairs?
200
This theme is displayed often by Odysseus in contrast to his crew and the suitors. Examples: when he does not eat the god Helios' meat and when the suitors cannot stop gorging themselves on Odysseus' food and wine.
What is self-control & temptation?
200
The place Odysseus was held for seven years by "that mighty nymph _________, noble goddess, who wished to make Odysseus her husband." (1:20-22)
What is Calypso's Island?
200
The gods watched the entire story from the comfort of their palace on the peak of this mythical mountain.
What is Mount Olympus?
300
Of all the lineages mentioned in The Odyssey, the majority of them are traced back to this one particularly powerful and - productive - god.
Who is Zeus?
300
In Book 23, Penelope suggests that a certain piece of furniture be moved. Only the true Odysseus would know that this is impossible, because he built it with a living olive tree, still planted and unmovable. Their marriage, which is still living and unmoved by any suitors or goddesses who try to step in is symbolized by this piece of furniture.
What is the bed?
300
The following picture is an example of Poseidon inflicting what theme upon poor Odysseus and his crew? (powerpoint picture)
What is revenge?
300
Odysseus' men fell to temptation when they ate the livestock on this vengeful sun-god's island.
Who is Helios?
300
The Odyssey is a journey story told by the poet (possibly Homer) and by Odysseus himself to his Achaean (Greek) audience. When a narrative takes on this compound form, it is also referred to as a "story within a story" also known as a ___________ story.
What is a frame story?
400
When an epithet is describing the hero as "god-like", "long-enduring", and "man of action", it is probably reminding us of the traits of this character.
Who is Odysseus?
400
This type of animal represents Telemachus and Odysseus as a symbol, foreshadowing, or portent of the victory they will have over the destructive suitors.
What is a bird? (hawk or eagle also acceptable)
400
He immediately walked over to the outer gate, for in his heart he considered it disgraceful that a stranger should remain a long time at his door. He moved up near Athena, grasped her right hand, and took her bronze-tipped spear. Then he spoke to her— his words had wings: "Welcome to you stranger. You must enjoy our hospitality. Then, after you've had some food to eat, you can tell us what you need." He brought Athena in and sat her in a chair, a beautifully crafted work. Under it he rolled out a linen mat and then arranged a foot stool for her feet. Beside her he drew up a lovely decorated chair for him to sit in. (1:118-127 & 130-132) Though pride and respect for the gods are themes found here, the theme best displayed by Telemachus in this passage is:
What is hospitality?
400
In Book Nine, Odysseus tells the Phaeacians of the time that he and his crew were washed up on the island of a strange, apathetic group of people who give his crew a taste of the intoxicating fruit of which plant?
What is the lotus?
400
The Odyssey is the story of what happens to Odysseus afer the Trojan War, the narrative contained in this other epic poem by Homer.
What is The Iliad?
500
The following epithet can be found in almost every chapter, but it is not for a person. Though this thing arguably still plays a character role in the book, it is an epithet for something else. "the wine-dark ______ ."
What is "the wine dark sea"? ("sea" is acceptable)
500
This common resource takes on many symbolic forms in the Odyssey. Though it is often consumed appropriately by the hospitable, it is often a symbol of gluttony and lack of self-control when it appears in the form of pigs for the suitors, and lotus plants and forbidden livestock for Odysseus' crew.
What is food?
500
This theme displayed by Hermes and Calypso is one omniscient presence that the gods cannot control. (Link to prezi clip)
What is fate?
500
As they sail past one particularly dangerous island, Odysseus ties himself to his ship, plugs his shipmates' ears, and lets himself listen to the song of these mythical creatures.
Who are the Sirens?
500
"Ulysses" and "Odysseus" are Latin and Greek names meaning "wrathful" or "angry man". Odyssey, on the other hand, can be used in place of this English word (noun).
What is "journey"?
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