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The Odyssey. Survey English 9. Odysseus. Relies on cunning, intelligence, and prudence as opposed to physical strength King of Ithaca Thinks of Trojan Horse idea Called the “man of twists and turns” Can be a boastful liar. More on Odysseus.
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The Odyssey Survey English 9
Odysseus • Relies on cunning, intelligence, and prudence as opposed to physical strength • King of Ithaca • Thinks of Trojan Horse idea • Called the “man of twists and turns” • Can be a boastful liar
More on Odysseus • He’s all human– he even turns down an offer to be made immortal • Gets help from Athena, goddess of wisdom and war • Married to Penelope • Father of Telemachus
Good Guys • Odysseus • Penelope • Telemachus • Circe: Originally imprisons Odysseus and his men, but then helps them • Alcinous: King of Phaeacia • Nausicaa: Princess of Phaeacia
Good Guys • Athena: helps Odysseus in battle • Eumaeus: Odysseus’ swineheard, helps him battle the suitors when he returns • Euriclea: Odysseus’ nurse– recognizes him by his scar • Argos: Odysseus’ dog
Bad Guys • Poseidon: Odysseus wounds his son, so they become enemies • Calypso: holds Odysseus prisoner for seven years • Polyphemus: one eyed giant, Poseidon’s son • Sirens: half woman, half eagle– lure sailors to their deaths with beautiful sining voices
More Bad Guys • Antinous: leads the suitors • Eurymachus: another suitor • Suitors: About 100 men camped out in Odysseus’ house, waiting for his wife to pick one for marriage
Facts about the Odyssey • Contains 12,110 lines • Story takes 40 days; recounts Odysseus’ 10 year journey home from the Trojan War • Themes: • “Importance of home” ”reunion with family” • in medias res (Latin) • --starts in the middle
More Facts about the Odyssey • Most of the story is told by Odysseus– is he a reliable narrator? • Told in flashback • Large setting– Odysseus wanders through the Mediterranean • Odysseus goes to the Underworld
More Facts about the Odyssey • Has more female characters, but for the most part women are still represented as fickle objects • Gods are portrayed as being envious of men • Family values are important– establishes contrast between a good family and a bad family
Hubris: overwhelming pride; considered a sin and great offense to the gods Homeric Simile: an extended simile elaborated in great detail– Homer usually compared violence with peaceful nature Invocation: a prayer; The Iliad and Odyssey both begin with an invocation to the muse of Epic Poetry Epithet: a descriptive word or phrase that has become a fixed formula Muse: one of the nine patrons of fine arts Important Terms