The Odyssey

Some Background Composed circa 600-800 BC by Homer The Odyssey is an epic poem A written version of the classic oral tradition Uses repetition as a memory aid

What is an Epic? A long, narrative poem detailing adventures of a hero who is: Larger than life Historically significant (Mostly) favored by the gods Mortal On a journey or quest Exceptionally moral

What is an Epic? Contd. Shows values and beliefs of a culture The setting Often encompasses many lands, nations, worlds, universes, etc. Involves supernatural forces

More Qualities of an Epic The epic’s action include: Deeds of great value Superhuman courage and feats Values & beliefs of a culture Hero’s actions determine a nation’s fate The Writing: Uses repetition Has several moments of suspense and climax

Told in pre-literate societies Early Epic Poems Oral narrative poems Told in pre-literate societies Used to pass on morals/values of a culture

Odyssey: Literary Devices Opening with an invocation to the muse Muses: goddesses who inspire the creation of literature and the arts Beginning the story in medias res (“in the middle of things”) Providing long lists of people, genealogies, and places significant to mythological history

Literary Devices contd. Epithets: Repeated nicknames for various characters, major and minor Ex: Referring to Zeus as “the father of gods and men” A quest A hero faces obstacles on his way to get somewhere

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 that the reader is able to relate to. The typical Homeric simile makes a comparison to some kind of event, 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)

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

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 (term: 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 does 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?

Intertextuality Examples: Many famous works are inspired by Homer’s epic: Virgil’s epic poem the Aeneid; Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “Ulysses” James Joyce’s novel, Ulysses countless paintings (check out Henry Fuseli’s “Odysseus in front of Scylla and Charybdis”) Cream’s song “Tales of Brave Ulysses” The Cohen Brothers’ movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?  Whether you’re most interested in literature, visual art, music, or movies, you’ve got to read Homer’s Odyssey to see where everybody’s getting their ideas.