The Odyssey (Plot and Characters)
What major event occurs before The Odyssey begins, explaining why Odysseus is away from home for so long?
What is the Trojan war?
What term means a story that starts "in the middle of things"?
What is in medias res?
What Greek cultural concept means "hospitality" or "guest-friendship"?
What is xenia?
A comparison using "like" or "as" is called what?
What is a simile?
What two forms did early storytelling take before written texts existed?
What are stories, songs, dances, and performances?
What goddess continually supports Odysseus and Telemachus on their journeys?
Who is Athena?
An epic begins by asking a goddess for inspiration. What is this goddess called?
Who is the Muse?
What word means "glory" or "fame" earned through heroic deeds?
What is kleos?
What is an extended multi-line comparison used in epics?
What is an epic simile or epic metaphor?
What is one reason The Odyssey is compared to a modern soap opera?
What is parallel action, many characters, or themes of temptation and loyalty?
What god works against Odysseus, extending his journey by 10 extra years?
Who is Poseidon?
Name one reason epics were originally performed aloud.
What is they were part of the "oral tradition"?
What is the Greek word for excessive pride or arrogance that angers the gods?
What is hubris?
"Primal Dawn spread her fingers or pink light" is an example of what device?
What is personification?
Why might an oral storyteller use epithets?
What is to aid memory and keep rhythm while performing?
Which three characters simultaneous "soap opera-style" parallel storylines in The Odyssey?
Who are Odysseus, Telemachus, and Penelope?
Give two traits of an epic hero.
What are larger than life qualities, facing a difficult journey, or being involved in the fate of a nation?
According to the notes, why does Odysseus sometimes hide his identify even though he seeks kleos?
What is he must survive, but ultimately wants people to know his heroic name?
What is a "Homeric epithet," and give one example from The Odyssey?
What is a descriptive phrase before a name? "Grey-eyed Athena" "wine-dark sea"
In The Odyssey, which character's actions most clearly place the fate of Ithaca at risk and why?
Who are the suitors because of their reckless behavior?
According to Joseph Campbell's Hero Journey, Odysseus's encounter with the Cyclops, Polyphemus, represents which stage of the journey--where the hero faces a major obstacle that tests bravery, intelligence, and survival?
What is the "road of trials"?
What makes the style of an epic "grand or elevated"?
What is the use of figurative language?
In the Hero's Journey, Odysseus' moment of returning to Ithaca in disguise and preparing to confront the suitors reflects which stage, where the hero reenters the ordinary world changed and must complete unfinished business?
What is the "return with the elixir"/"resurrection" stage?
In the passage "as a blacksmith plunges a glowing ax or adze in an ice-cold bath and the metal screeches steam and its temper hardens - that's the iron's strength - so the eye of Cyclops sizzled round that stake," this specific type of figurative language is used.
What is an epic simile?
To test Odysseus upon his return, this faithful servant recognizes him by a scar while washing his feet, revealing his identity
Who is Eurycleia?