Book I - The Odyssey by Homer

1. Book I - The Odyssey by Homer Modeling of what your pod assignment should consist of…

2. Citing sources from an epic**parenthetical documentation** • When citing from an epic, you include the book number first followed by a period. Then you would enter the line numbers. (1. 28). • Note, if the line numbers continue, within the same sequence, you would drop the continued number. For example, if the line numbers go from 22-26, you would drop the repeated ‘2’ (1. 22-6). • Also, since this is poetry, you include the slash to indicate continuance to another line “But, best of men, I wish to ask you about this stranger,/where he came from” (1. 405-6).

3. Translation variations- • Note: Different versions are translated by varying people. Ex. Lattimore is my translation. • Kalypso vs. calypso • Ithaka vs. Ithaca • Athene vs. Athena • Olympos vs. Olympus • Klymnestra vs. clymnestra…. (cont’d)

4. Opening scene- Council of the Gods • Athene approaches Zeus, asking for assistance in aiding Odysseus. • Odysseus has fought for 10 years in Troy, and has now been held “captive” on Calypso’s Island for 7 years. • Athene’s way of intervening is by disguising herself, approaching Telemachus and having him go on his own journey to Nestor and Menelaus (other kings) and find what he can about his father. This way, Telemachus is able to learn from father-figures. By going on his own odyssey, he can mature and learn key skills to become a future king himself. “…so that I may stir up his son a little, and put some confidence in him” (1. 88-90).

5. Plot Summary • Poseidon, angered by the blinding of his son, Polyphemus, is keeping Odysseus from successfully journeying home. Athena, supporter of Odysseus, pleads Zeus for assistance. • Zeus agrees that due to Poseidon’s revenge, Odysseus has had 7 years of captivity on Calypso’s Island and it is time for Odysseus to return home.

6. Setting/Characters • Mt. Olympus- council of the gods Athene, Zeus • Ithaca- Telemachus, suitors and Penelope

7. Ithaka/Ithaca (5 min)

8. Literary Terminology • Epithets Epithets “The grey eyed gray-eyed Athene” “Flowing-haired Achaians” • Patronymics “Orestes, Agamemnon’s far-famed son” (1.30). “Son of Kronos, our father, O lordiest of the mighty” (1.44). • Deus ex machina Athena’s intervention with Telemachus Patronymics

9. Motifs/Symbols • Disguise- Athene, disguised as Mentes, son of Anchialos (1.180) claims to have be-friended and known Odysseus. Gives a prophecy that Odysseus is alive and will return home. • Telemachus “knows” it is an immortal (1.420) and heeds her advice.

10. Themes • Hospitality Telemachus accepts disguised Athena as a guest. Vs. Suitors who are taking advantage of the hospitality of Penelope • Responsibility “ ‘Oh for shame, how the mortals put the blame upon us gods…it is they, rather, who by their own recklessness win sorrow (1.32-34). • Growing up/becoming a man Athene sending Telemachus on his own journey of self-discovery • Humility/respect for the Gods Zeus has allowed Poseidon’s punishment since Odysseus needs to learn humility and respect for the gods above

11. Archetypes • Orphan- Telemachus and other men in Ithaca. Consider that most of these “men” were mere boys. This is why they didn’t go off to war. They have been raised without father-figures. They do not know how to show proper manners. • Altruist and Magician- Athene is both in this book. She is the main supernatural aid that wants to assist Odysseus. Because she is a goddess, she has the power to intervene in Telemachus’ life and motivate him on an odyssey to find the truth and grow himself.

12. All members need to participate in… • Creating the prezi/powerpoint • Orally presenting to the class • Answering questions if asked by the teacher and students • Note- if any issues with working together or lack of effort, please email me separately.