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Book I – General Situation? Odysseus is on the island of Calypso, daughter of Atlas, and the gods debate whether to let him go home. Athena supports Odysseus’ return. Odysseus. Zeus. Generalized Themes of the Invocation. Travel Trouble Suffering
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Book I – General Situation?Odysseus is on the island of Calypso, daughter of Atlas, and the gods debate whether to let him go home. Athena supports Odysseus’ return. Odysseus Zeus
Generalized Themes of the Invocation • Travel • Trouble • Suffering • Nostalgia – ‘painful longing for home’
Gods’ plan • Where is Poseidon? • Hermes’ task – to Ogygia • Athena’s task – to Ithaca and Telemachus Details of Ithacan life and household of Odysseus • Introduction of Telemachus, Antinoos, Phemios, Penelope, Eurycleia
Calypso loves Odysseus and wants to marry him and make him immortal. He’s been on her island for 7 years.
Flash to Odysseus’ home--community on Ithaca. A crowd of suitors are wooing Penelope and becoming a drain on her household resources.
Themes of Text • Invocation of the Muses – précis of Odysseus’ past and look at future • Divine views – Zeus’ principle Why does evil happen to men? • Case of Aigisthos, Clytemnestra, Agamemnon, Orestes Why is this relevant?
First Book • What do you learn indirectly about Odysseus? From the poet? From the gods? From other people? • Why are the gods concerned with him? • What is the point about Aigisthus and Agamemnon? • What is achieved by beginning the story at this point?
Matters to Watch • Rules of Hospitality – note “Mentes” treatment • Role of the Singer – note discussion of Phemios’ song • Details of life – fully occupied world • Tasks suggested to Telemachus