The Odyssey English I

Have you Heard?? Have you heard of the Iliad or The Odyssey? The Siren’s Song? Scylla and Charybdis? Cyclops?

The Poet Homer- He was a Greek Poet Poetry was Oral and probably not written down until after Homer died. 9th Century B.C. (possibly 1100’s-600’s) There is some conjecture as to whether or not Homer is the only author of the Odyssey

Themes in The Odyssey Family Brotherhood Real life connections- References to The Odyssey in films, literature, and history

Why is Homer’s Poetry a Classic -Simplicity of language -Swift movement of narrative Creation of characters with uncomplicated motives -Actions that are true to human nature -Plots that blend the joys of living with the tragic sense of life - Long, musical lines (in the original Greek or in a poetry translation)

The Odyssey A Folk Epic: A narrative based on heroic legends Oral Poetry-might have been sung along with a lyre; entertainment Handbook to Literature defines Epic as “A long narrative poem in elevated style presenting characters of high position in adventures forming an organic whole through their relation to a central heroic figure and through their development of episodes important to the history of a nation or race.” (Harmon-Holman, pg 188)

Background on Odysseus The main character/hero of The Odyssey The Trojan War-the wooden horse (i.e.. The Trojan Horse) King Priam of Troy-Odysseus must fight for King Menelaus After the war Odysseus wanders for 10 years living many adventures before he is able to return home The adventures are what make up The Odyssey

Odysseus Continued Latin name: Ulysses A King of Ithaca Wife: Penelope Son: Telemachus

Epic Characteristics 1) The hero is of imposing stature, of national or international importance, and of great historical or legendary significance. 2) The setting is vast, covering great nations, the world, or the universe. 3) The action consists of deeds of great valor or requiring superhuman courage. 4)Supernatural forces-gods, angels, and demons-interest themselves in the action. 5) A style of sustained elevation is used.

Epic Characteristics Continued 6) The poet retains a measure of objectivity. In most Epics; the poet begins by stating the theme, invoking a MUSE, and beginning the narrative IN MEDIS RES (in the middle of things)