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The Literature of Antiquity

The Literature of Antiquity. The Odyssey. Learning Goals:. To understand the differences between the Iliad and the Odyssey , tragedy and comedy. To identify the major literary devices, structure, and techniques used in the work. To identify and discuss major themes of the work.

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The Literature of Antiquity

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  1. The Literature of Antiquity The Odyssey

  2. Learning Goals: • To understand the differences between the Iliad and the Odyssey, tragedy and comedy. • To identify the major literary devices, structure, and techniques used in the work. • To identify and discuss major themes of the work. • To learn Greek vocabulary essential to a better understanding of the text.

  3. Odysseus’ Journey

  4. The Odyssey • Recounts the 10-year journey of Odysseus to return to Ithaca after the end of the Trojan War • Odyssey= song of Odysseus • Begins in medias res (in the middle of things), but most of the story is told in flashback. • Begins with Odysseus being stuck on Ogygia with Calypso and his grown son, Telemachus, looking for him. • A COMIC work • Odysseus is an “everyman.”

  5. The Odyssey: A Story About… • Identity • Revelation, falsification, investigation, recognition • Who ARE we really? • Experience • Tests of temptation • Tests of wit, wisdom, cleverness • Community • Xenia and Xeinos • Testing “alternative” societies • Restore social order

  6. Some Greek Vocabulary… • Metis – widsom, cleverness • Hubris – over-reaching pride • Atë – foolish action by hero that leads to downfall • Oikos – the family unit / noble household • Xeinos – guest/host relationship • Nostos – homecoming • Katabasis – journey to the underworld • Kleos – glory/fame

  7. Themes and Motifs • The guest/host relationship is sacred; failure to observe xenia and xeinos can result in disruption of the social order. • Hubris can get a person into big trouble with the gods and should be avoided. • Man has the divine gift of wit and cleverness—and he should use it to get himself out of problems where strength cannot prevail. • Without the family or oikos, a man has no identity. • Temptation should be avoided—remaining steadfast and loyal is most important. • Disguises, storytellers, temptation, gifts, food, etc.

  8. Comparing the Iliad and the Odyssey Iliad • Tragedy • Many Heroes • Ares/Aphrodite • Courage and Justice • Eros causes strife • Lion (War) • Straight lines • Disguise is fatal • Self-assertion • Righteous indignation • Daylight • Plains • Political and legalistic • Pain suffered by all • Destruction of social order Odyssey • Comedy • One Hero • Athena and Hermes • Wisdom and Moderation • Eros as natural and sacred • Dog (peace) • Serpentine lines • Disguise is curative • Self-abnegation • Subtlety and deception • Darkness • Caves • Broadly philosophic and poetic • Pain suffered by one • Restoration of social order

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