Characters
Athena
Goddess of war and wisdom, watches over Odysseus.
Why is Telemachus angry in the beginning of the book?
The suitors have invaded his home.
What is the final test that Penelope uses to determine if it is indeed her husband who claims to be Odysseus?
She says that she is going have his bed made in the hall.
Define an epic poem.
An epic poem is a lengthy, narrative work of poetry.
Define an epic hero and who that is in The Odyssey.
Odysseus. The epic hero possesses superhuman strength, craftiness, and confidence.
Telemachus
Odysseus’s son.
What happens to the suitors staying in Odysseus’ home?
They are all killed in the great hall.
Who is the first to find out that Odysseus has returned to Ithaca?
Telemachus.
Define an epic plot.
The epic plot involves a long journey, full of complications such as strange creatures, large-scale events, treacherous weather, and divine intervention.
Define the villain and who that is in The Odyssey.
Circe, The Suitors, The Lotus Eaters, Polyphemus. The figure the represents the “dark side”.
Penelope
Odysseus’s wife
What is dangerous about the land of the Lotus Eaters?
The Lotus Eaters have a plant that will make Odysseus and his men forget about returning home.
How long do the men stay on Circe’s island?
1 year.
The epic setting includes fantastic or exocic lands and typically covers several nations.
Define the mentor and who that is in The Odyssey.
Athena. The figure that teaches and protects the hero. Any gifts given from the mentor must be earned through commitment or a set of tasks
Polyphemus
Son of Poseidon, one of many villains.
How do Odysseus and his men escape from the Cyclopes?
They cling to the bellies of sheep and sneak out.
How long does Odysseus stay on Calypso’s island?
7 years.
Name the six epic themes.
Courage, A homecoming, Loyalty, The fate of a nation, Beauty, Life and Death.
Define the allies and who that is in The Odyssey.
Odysseus's crew. The person or group of persons that assist the hero.
Calypso
A sea goddess who keeps Odysseus on her island.
What does Circe do to Odysseus’ men?
She turns them into pigs.
Which god/goddess helps Odysseus the most?
Athena.
What makes The Odyssey an epic?
The Odyssey is an epic because Odysseus faces supernatural antagonists, the gods and goddesses play an important role, and Odysseus is being restored as a rightful leader.
Define the wicked temptress and who that is in The Odyssey.
Calypso, Circe. A woman of tremendous charm and desirability but who is at core unethical.