Odyssey

Composed circa 600-800 BC by Homer Odyssey is an epic poem Background Composed circa 600-800 BC by Homer Odyssey is an epic poem A written version of the classic oral tradition

Characteristics of Epic Heroes Epics are long poems that contain an adventurous hero who… Has seemingly superhuman capabilities, but is mortal Historically significant (Mostly) favored by the gods On a journey/quest Moral (according to his/her culture’s standards)

Qualities of Epics Diverse settings Supernatural forces Values and beliefs of a culture Action: Deeds of great value, exceptional courage and feats, a hero’s actions determining a nation’s fate

The Writing Repetition Several moments of suspense and climax Opening with an invocation to the muse Begins in medias res (“in the middle of things”) Mythological references

Epithets: Repeated nicknames for various characters, major and minor Literary Devices Epithets: Repeated nicknames for various characters, major and minor Ex: Referring to Zeus as “the father of gods and men”

Literary Devices: Homeric Simile a.k.a. Epic or Extended simile Definition: A detailed comparison in the form of a simile that is many lines in length. Purpose: To deepen the reader’s understanding of the individual or action taking place through a word-picture association to which the reader relates. The typical Homeric simile makes a comparison in the form "like a ____ when it ______”

Homeric Simile contd. The Three Step Homeric Simile: 1) Saying what it is that whatever you’re talking about is like (Ex: Odysseus is like a lion) 2) Describing the thing you’re comparing it to (Ex: the lion) 3) Reminding the audience of what you were originally talking about (Ex: Odysseus) The third step is important because sometimes the description the second step can get extremely long, and there’s the risk that the audience will forget what you’re talking about. 

Let’s try it: Create an Original Homeric Simile Steps: 1) Say what your subject is like (Ex: Odysseus is like a lion) 2) Describe the thing you’re comparing it to (Ex: Description of a lion) 3) Remind the audience of what you were originally talking about (Ex: Odysseus)

Intertextuality Examples: Many famous works are inspired this epic: Virgil’s epic poem the Aeneid; Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “Ulysses” James Joyce’s novel, Ulysses Cream’s song “Tales of Brave Ulysses” The Cohen Brothers’ movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? 

Odyssey has also inspired countless paintings, such as Henry Fuseli’s “Odysseus in front of Scylla and Charybdis”

Themes in The Odyssey Fate vs. Free Will Piety Justice Pride Lies and Deceit Tradition and custom Suffering Loyalty Perseverance Family

Odyssey Themes Guiding Questions

Fate vs. Free Will Is fate/destiny fixed and constant in the text? What is the role of gods and goddesses in the fate of the characters?

Piety (devoutness) What are some of the characters’ gestures that show deference to the gods? What could result from impiety or challenges to the gods?

Justice Discuss examples of ways in which characters are punished for their transgressions.

Pride Is pride Odysseus’s flaw? Why or why not? How could pride be dangerous in terms of the gods?

Lies and Deceit How does disguise in the Odyssey play into this theme? What is its purpose? Odysseus is praised for his cunning. Is the ability to deceive heroic?

Tradition and Custom Rules of hospitality (Greek word: xenia) are among the most revered social and religious laws in the Odyssey (and Greek culture). What are some of the expectations for a host? What are the expectations of a guest? What were the consequences for breaking hospitable obligations?

Suffering In Greek mythology, being human entails suffering. What forms of suffering does Odysseus experience over the course of his journey?

Loyalty Which characters are most loyal? What are different types of loyalty in the text? What cultural double-standard exists in terms of Odysseus’s versus Penelope’s devotion?

Perseverance Specify important examples of both physical and emotional perseverance within the text.

Family How does the text showcase the cultural value of familial lineage?