Books I-IV: Odyssey Ms. Marshall 8th grade English Ms. Marshall 8th grade English 8

Page 8  Background: Homer did not originate Greek epic technique. He may well have used fold epics, tying familiar stories together by using one hero, Odysseus, and using a poetic form that people could enjoy and remember. The Odyssey originated as oral poetry, not something to be read silently; it used repetition of words and phrases both for emphasis and for ease in memorizing and retention. It also was memorable because it painted vivid word pictures and was filled with action. Because of its length, the Odyssey could not be presented all at one time. For that reason, Homer used techniques that would bring the audience back to hear more, such things as the hero ’ s facing a new trail and the whole being fought on both an earthly and supernatural level. The Greeks at that time believed in the influence of the gods and goddesses; therefore, one could expect that the hero would receive the help of the goddess Athena to carry out his exploits. 8

Literary Terms  Epic--A narrative poem that tells in an elevated style the achievements and brave deeds of heroic characters. Miraculous events and supernatural beings often play a part. (Folk Epic--A narrative based on heroic legends.)  Invocation: a call to a muse to help the poet tell the story in an epic.  Epic--A narrative poem that tells in an elevated style the achievements and brave deeds of heroic characters. Miraculous events and supernatural beings often play a part. (Folk Epic--A narrative based on heroic legends.)  Invocation: a call to a muse to help the poet tell the story in an epic. 8

Literary Terms Continued  Epithet--An adjective or descriptive term that points out some trait of the person or thing being considered.  Repetition--Repeating words or phrases for emphasis or for retention in memory.  Epithet--An adjective or descriptive term that points out some trait of the person or thing being considered.  Repetition--Repeating words or phrases for emphasis or for retention in memory. 8

Page 9--Discovery 1. As we read aloud from the Odyssey, listen carefully to what is going on, trying to create mental pictures of what you hear. Jot down features that occur to you, such as details about the characters, unusual wordings, etc. List epic features, epithets, and repetitions. 9

Discovery Continued 2. Listen to the prose translation. Jot down ways in which the poetry and prose versions differ. 9

Reflection  Which version did you like best, the poetry or prose? Why did you prefer the one you chose? Be specific about the one that you felt created better pictures for you. Be prepared to defend your choice in a class discussion. 9