Characters
Poseidon’s Son (What is his name?)
Poyphemus
Odysseus is living happily with Penelope and Telemachus on the island of Ithaca.
Ordinary World
Lotus Eaters
When Odysseus and his crew arrive at the land of the Lotus-Eaters, they encounter inhabitants who offer them lotus plants to eat. Those who consume the lotus forget their desire to return home, but Odysseus forces his men back to the ship and sails away to continue their journey.
"Then Dawn rose up from bed with Lord Tithonus, to bring the light to deathless gods and mortals."
Personification
Who is the author of The Odyssey?
Homer
The Sun God
Helios
Odysseus feigns madness to avoid going to the Trojan by sowing his crops with salt. King Menelaus's men throw the infant Telemachus in front of the plow and Odysseus swerves, revealing his ruse.
Refusal of The Call
The Cyclops
Odysseus and his men become trapped in the cave of Polyphemus, a Cyclops who eats some of the crew. Odysseus outsmarts him by blinding his single eye and escaping with his men by hiding under the Cyclops' sheep as they leave the cave.
"The sea surged up in anger."
Personification
Why does Poseidon harbor a grudge against Odysseus?
Odysseus blinded the Cyclops, Polyphemus, who is Poseidon’s son.
Cannibals
Laestrygonians
Odysseus copes with the fact that he is responsible for many deaths, and Athena reconciles the conflict between him and the people of Ithaca.
Return with The Elixir
Bag of Winds
Aeolus, the god of winds, gives Odysseus a bag with winds to help him sail safely to Ithaca. However, while Odysseus sleeps, his curious crew opens the bag, releasing the winds and causing a storm that blows their ship far off course.
"After examining the mighty bow carefully, inch by inch, as easily as an experienced musician stretches a sheep-gut string around a lyre's peg and makes it fast, Odysseus, with ease, strung the great bow."
Simile
Who is Penelope's sister, who prompts the Trojan War?
Helen
Six-Headed Sea Monster
Scylla
The men feast on Helios' cattle, and Helios threatens to stop shining. This prompts Zeus to intervene, and he destroys Odysseus' last ship and kills all of his men.
Ordeal
The Land of the Dead
Odysseus travels to the Land of the Dead to consult the prophet Tiresias, who provides guidance on how to reach Ithaca and warns of future dangers. While there, Odysseus also encounters the shades of his mother and fallen comrades, learning about their fates.
"Around the cave a luscious forest flourished: alder, poplar, and scented cypress."
Imagery
What does the term Hamartia mean?
A fatal flaw
The Guardian of Winds
Aeolus
Odysseus sails to King Alcinous' island and begins telling him his tale from when he left for Troy.
The Road Back
Circe's Island
Odysseus and his crew land on Circe's island, where the sorceress turns some of his men into pigs. With Hermes's help, Odysseus resists her magic, gains her favor, and stays on the island for a year before continuing his journey.
Name BOTH literary devices in the following line:
“He held it in his right hand and plucked the string, which sang like swallow-song, a clear sweet note.”
Simile and Personification
What island does Athena tell Telemachus he needs to visit to learn news of his father?
Pylos