1. The Odyssey
Part 1
Power point 1

2. Questions
1. Both epics by Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey, originate in an actual historical event, the Trojan War. Approximately, when did it occur?
How were these epic poems originally performed?
How were they communicated to their audiences?

4. Questions
What are the three major plot strands of the Odyssey?

5. “I am Odysseus” and “The Lotus-Eaters”
Who is the narrator, and where is he speaking?
What has happened to Odysseus and his men?
What does Odysseus say about his own reputation?
Throughout his travels, what has Odysseus longed for most?

7. What code do Odysseus and his men obey when they land among the Cicones?
How disciplined are Odysseus’s men? How do you know this?
What simile is used to describe the attacking cicones?
What does the simile indicate about them?
What did the Acheans do before making sail the day after the battle?

8. What epithet is used for Zeus in line 53?
What does this indicate about his power?
What effect does the lotus plant have on those who eat it?

9. “Far from Home”
The Cyclopes represent a complete lack of civilization. How does the description of them create this characterization?
What do Odysseus’s men want to do after they first enter the Cyclops’ cave?
What does Odysseus say in lines that foreshadows disaster?
What contrast is there between Odysseus’s leadership here and his leadership when they were among the Cicones?

10. How does the Cyclops characterize the attitude of his race towards gods?
How does Odysseus respond to the Cyclops’ question about his ship? Why?
The Cyclops’ eating of men is offensive both because it is disgusting and because it violates a code of behavior dear to Greeks. What is that code?

11. Why does Odysseus decide not to stab the Cyclops with his sword?
To whom does Odysseus pray for the success of his scheme to escape the Cyclops?
What gift does the Cyclops promise Odysseus for the special wine?
How does Odysseus’ false name save him?
How does the escape confirm Odysseus’ reputation for cleverness?

12. How does Odysseus revealing his name come to haunt him?
Why is Odysseus name familiar to the Cyclops?
How does Odysseus foreshadow disaster for his companions after they escape from the Cyclops?

13. How does the poet personify the dawn in the last stanza of this section?
The tone of Odysseus’ departure from the Cyclops is sad, for it recalls the men who were lost. Where else did we see the same formula for a departure?