Unit: Epic Poetry: The Odyssey

1. Unit: Epic Poetry: The Odyssey By Homer An Introduction to the Epic Poem

2. Homer’s The Odyssey: Context • The Odyssey is an EPIC POEM written by Homer, the most famous of Greek Storytellers. • The time and place in which The Odyssey was written is unknown and Homer, it is argued, may not actually have been the author. • It is possible that the epic poem is merely a collection of oral traditions passed on from generation to generation. • Most scholars believe that Homer wrote the poem in Greece about 700 B.C.E.

3. Homer’s The Odyssey: Epic Hero • Epic poems are long, narrative poems about important events in the history or folklore of a nation or culture. • The protagonist in an epic poem is known as an epic hero, the larger-than-life central character. • Through adventurous deeds, the epic hero demonstrates traits that are highly valued in his/her society (bravery, war accomplishments, etc).

4. Homer’s The Odyssey: Epic Poetry • Most epics begin in media res, which means “in the middle of things.” • This means that the most of the important action of the story occurred BEFORE the point in which the poem begins. • For instance: The Odyssey begins right AFTER the end of the Trojan War. • Therefore, most of the story’s epic events are told in flashback manner.

5. Homer’s The Odyssey: Notes • Setting: the story begins after the Trojan War and covers the next ten years. Odysseus’s travels cover the Aegean and surrounding seas and eventually end in Ithaca, in northwestern Greece; Telemachus travels from Ithaca to southern Greece. • Point of View: 3rdperson omniscient • Tone: celebratory and nostalgic; the poet views the times in which the action is set as glorious and larger than life.

6. Homer’s The Odyssey: Notes • Themes: The power of cunning over strength; the pitfalls of temptation; the tension between goals and obstacles; the misery of separation; maturation as a journey. • Motifs: Disguises; storytelling; seductresses. • Symbols: Food; the wedding bed; the great bow; symbols of temptation.

7. Homer’s The Odyssey: Vocab • Recall key terms from the unit on poetry; they will play a key role in your understanding of this story: • Simile • Metaphor • Narrative poem • Symbol • Stanza • Refrain • Rhythm

8. Great Books: The Odyssey • Copy down the following questions and answer them as you watch the video. As you watch the program, note the challenges Odysseus faces in his journey. • What is an odyssey? • How does Homer’s epic story portray the human condition and timeless human challenges? • What does The Odyssey reveal about ancient Greek culture?

9. Homer’s The Odyssey: Vocab • Copy down these new terms; Choose two words and USE THEM IN A SENTENCE (2 sentences). This will be the SECOND written entry in your “Odyssey Journal.” • Epic Simile (n): a simile of great length and detail, going on for several lines. • Plundered (v): took goods by force; looted • Dispatched (v): finished quickly; sent out (an order) • Mammoth (adj): enormous; huge • Assuage (v): calm; pacify • Bereft (adj): deprived (refused) of something • Ardor (n): passion; enthusiasm • Insidious (adj): characterized by craftiness or betrayal