from the Odyssey, Part One by Homer translated by Robert Fitzgerald Feature Menu Introducing the Story Literary Focus: Heroes at Large Reading Skills: Monitor Your Comprehension

from the Odyssey, Part One by Homer translated by Robert Fitzgerald

from the Odyssey, Part One Introducing the Story The ordinary man is involved in action, the hero acts. An immense difference. —Henry Miller, 1951

from the Odyssey, Part One Introducing the Story When we first meet Odysseus, he is unhappily— and forcibly—living with Calypso on her island. Although Calypso is a beautiful goddess, Odysseus longs to return to his wife, Penelope. Athena sends Hermes to set Odysseus free, and the adventure begins. What does the angry Poseidon have in store for our hero?

from the Odyssey, Part One Introducing the Story Stories of Troy have fascinated people throughout the ages. These stories are often a mix of myth and historical reality. Archaeologist finds “Priam’s gold.” Is the hill excavated by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1800s really Troy? Click here to find out. [End of Section]

from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Focus: Heroes at Large We find heroes to admire in books and movies in the news on TV shows in our own lives

from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Focus: Heroes at Large Heroes—real or fictional—often set out on a journey that we’re all on: the quest to discover who we are and what we can do. Whether heroes succeed or fail on their journeys, they do it on a grand scale. Their adventures can give us fresh perspectives on our own lives.

from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Focus: Heroes at Large During their quests, heroic characters encounter challenges and dangers face external conflicts—struggles with other characters or with the forces of nature The hero’s external conflicts are often with subordinate characters—characters who play a secondary role in the story.

from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Focus: Heroes at Large As you read these excerpts from the Odyssey, think about what conflicts Odysseus faces how he overcomes his conflicts what decisions and actions make him a hero [End of Section]

from the Odyssey, Part One Reading Skills: Monitor Your Comprehension To enjoy an adventure story like the Odyssey, you’ll have to make sure you understand what you are reading. As you read, ask yourself what has happened so far? why did it happen? what are the important events in this episode? when do the events take place?

from the Odyssey, Part One Reading Skills: Monitor Your Comprehension As you read the Odyssey, also ask what might happen next? can I visualize what is being described? what is my evaluation of the characters’ decisions and actions? what connections can I make between what I’ve read and my own life? [End of Section]

from the Odyssey, Part One Quickwrite Make the Connection What makes a hero? Write down the names of people, real or fictional, whom you consider heroic. Then, list character traits that you think a hero should have. Are these traits universal, or do they reflect only our own culture? Add to your notes as you read the Odyssey. [End of Section]

Vocabulary

from the Odyssey, Part One Vocabulary Previewing the Vocabulary adversity n.: hardship; great misfortune. formidable adj.: awe-inspiring by reason of excellence; strikingly impressive. ravage v.: destroy violently; ruin. profusion n.: large supply; abundance. adversary n.: enemy; opponent. rancor n.: bitter hatred; ill will.

from the Odyssey, Part One Vocabulary Previewing the Vocabulary abominably adv.: in an extremely unpleasant or disgusting manner. ardor n.: passion; enthusiasm. tumult n.: commotion; uproar; confusion. restitution n.: compensation; repayment.

from the Odyssey, Part One Vocabulary Vocabulary Activity Answer the following questions with yes or no. Would a formidable football player be good to have on your team? Is an easygoing person likely to show rancor? Do most people hope for a life filled with adversity? Is your adversary someone to whom you’d want to lend a helping hand? Can a hurricane ravage a seaside town? yes no no no yes [End of Section]

Meet the Writer

from the Odyssey, Part One Meet the Writer The Iliad and the Odyssey are both attributed to a poet named Homer, but no one really knows much about this man. The ancient Greeks believed he was a blind minstrel, or singer. They also believed he was from the island of Chios, which is located off the west coast of Asia Minor. Based on evidence from the poems themselves, it is probable that Homer was indeed born on Chios. [End of Section]