The Odyssey Background
Who wrote The Odyssey?
Homer
What are Lotus Eaters?
They have a plant that will make men forget about their homes.
What device is "Raider of cities"?
Epithet
What is an Epic Convention?
An element or common characteristic of something.
Who is Polyphemus' father?
Poseidon
What is the prequel to The Odyssey?
The Illiad
How does Odysseus and his crew get by the Sirens?
He puts beeswax in his men's ears and the men tie him to a mast.
What is an epic similie?
It uses like or as and extends across multiple lines.
Give an example of a vast setting from Book 11.
The Land of the dead or the underworld.
Who is the ruler of the gods?
Zeus
Where does Book 1 begin?
In Medias Res.
Who is Elpenor and what does he want?
Elpenor wants Odysseus to retrieve his body and perform a proper funeral.
What is dramatic irony?
The full significance of a character's words or actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to some or all characters
What is divine intervention?
When the gods interfere in the lives of mortals.
What does Aeolus give Odysseus in Book 10?
A bag of winds to help guide him home.
What is an Epic?
A long narrative poem about a larger than life hero who embodies the values of a specific society.
How is Odysseus protected from Circe's powers?
Hermes gives Odysseus an magical plant moly.
Speaking to a god like Zeus is considered what?
Apostrophe
List all monsters and supernatural forces (bad) we have encountered so far.
Polyphemus, Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, The Lotus-Eaters, Circe
Who is Book 1 talking to?
Athena
What period of time did The Odyssey take place?
The Bronze Age (1600-1100 B.C.E.)
Why did Odysseus not tell his men the full truth in Book 12?
He was afraid his men would become scared and not continue on their journey.
Give an example of hubris from Book 9
Yelling back at the Cyclops.
List all archetypal traits of an Epic Hero.
1. Male of noble birth
2.Capable of superhuman deeds
3. Great Warrior
4. Takes a quest or journey
5. Represents societal values
6. Has human flaws like hubris
7. Faces mythical foes/ receives supernatural help
What was Zeus' plan for Odysseus and his men?
His ships would be destroyed and his men would die.