1. THE ODYSSEY
Book 5

3. Homeric Heroism
Audience finally meets Odysseus “in media res” – in the middle (actually, more towards the end!) of his journey home
He has spent last 7 years trapped on Calypso’s island – why doesn’t he just leave?
He sits on rocks, weeping for his family – shows loyalty BUT not so heroic
Why would an Homeric hero find it particularly frustrating to be trapped on an island in the middle of nowhere with just an anti-social goddess for company?
Why is Odysseus suspicious of Calypso’s sudden change of heart after Hermes’ visit? What does he make her swear? How is he showing his personal areté in this exchange?

4. Homeric Heroism
Calypso makes one last attempt to persuade Odysseus to stay with her and become immortal, saying “I claim to be by no means [Penelope’s] inferior in looks or figure, for surely it would be unseemly for a woman to compete with a goddess in form or face.”
How is this a trap for Odysseus?
How does he answer and what does this show of his cunning and Penelope’s character?
“My wise Penelope’s looks and stature are insignificant compared with yours…”
How does Odysseus show his resourcefulness in the construction of his ‘raft’?

6. Homeric Heroism
After 18 days, Odysseus is about to reach the Phaeacian coast but is spotted by Poseidon “Nevertheless I mean to let him have a bellyful of trouble yet.”
In the ensuing storm, Odysseus fears for his life and wishes he had been among those who died at Troy (10 years earlier) instead of drowning by himself at sea – why…?
The sea-nymph, Ino/ Leucothoe, saves him – how? Why is Odysseus suspicious of her help?
How long does Odysseus swim non-stop for? What heroic quality does he show here?
What shape is he in by the time he makes it ashore? “Pieces of skin stripped from his sturdy hands were left sticking to the crag, like the pebbles that stick to the suckers of a squid when it is torn from its lair…” – This will create challenge for him in Book 6

8. XENIA
Calypso is a poor host to Odysseus – once a guest has stayed with a host, what is the obligation of the host when the guest wants to leave?
Calypso is a poor host to Hermes – what does she do when he first arrives? How does Hermes respond? “and when he had dined and refreshed himself, he answered Calypso’s questions…”
She also argues with/ abuses Hermes because of the message he carries
She is clearly still reluctant to let Odysseus go, though he is desperate to leave – “But I will not help him on his way, not I….Yet I do promise with a good grace…to give him…directions”

10. ROLE of the gods
Poseidon is the only god who does not favour Odysseus – he releases the winds to cause a storm and wrecks his raft
Zeus makes a prophecy at the start of Book 5 that Odysseus will soon return home with a great store of treasures (timé) from the Phaeacians, as befits his honour and fame.
Hermes, sent by Zeus, aids Odysseus by telling Calypso to free him
Three goddesses help Odysseus (albeit, Calypso only reluctantly under orders from Zeus)
Ino with the veil and advice
Athene by using a wind to flatten the seas, and by inspiring him to cling to the rocks and swim ashore at the right spot
Why doesn’t Athene step in during the storm to rescue Odysseus?
What does it show about Odysseus that four immortals in one book/ chapter are so involved in his fate?
Even the River aids him when he prays…
He shelters under two intertwined olives – what does this symbolise?