The OdysseyReading Guide

Part 1

Episode 1: Opening

  1. The invocation of the Muse is common in all epic poems. What do you think a Muse might be symbolic of?
  1. How does the opening describe what Odysseus must do to accomplish his goal and to be a hero?
  1. Provide a line that explains that.

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Episode 2: Sailing from Troy

  1. Describe Odysseus’ character?
  1. What is an example that Odysseus gives as to why he is unable to get home? How does he validate this?

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Episode 3: The Lotus Plant

  1. What does the lotus plant do?
  1. What do you think the lotus plant is symbolic of? Why?
  1. Based on the actions that Odysseus takes, what problems might he have with his crew?

Episode 4: The Cyclops

  1. Why doesn't Odysseus kill the Cyclops when he has an opportunity?
  1. Explain the different actions/tricks used in the escape plan.
  1. Do any other ways of escaping seem to exist which Odysseus does not consider?
  1. What motivates Odysseus to yell at the Cyclops once they are sailing away from the island?
  1. What curse (these are always important) does the Cyclops call down upon Odysseus?
  1. Make a case for both the Cyclops and Odysseus as being the "villain" at times during this episode.
  1. We often think of "hero" as someone who can do no wrong. Obviously, Odysseus is not that type of hero. What is "attractive" about animperfect hero?

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Episode 5: The Land of the Dead

  1. Identify the following:

-Aeolus, his "gift," and its outcome

-the Laestrygonians

-Circe and her "trick"

-Hades and Tiresias

  1. How is the "underworld" unlike and/or like our various concepts of the "afterlife?"
  1. Who is Elpenor and what request does he make of Odysseus?
  1. Which other ghost does Odysseus encounter that he is saddened to meet there?
  1. At one point Odysseus is frightened. Why is this both surprising and understandable?
  1. What information does Tiresias give Odysseus? (more than one item should be listed here)

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Episode 6: The Sirens

  1. What is the danger of listening to the Sirens?
  1. What does Odysseus do to keep him and his crew safe?
  1. Why (from the storyteller's point of view) have Odysseus be able to hear the Sirens? (What does it show to your readers?)
  1. Although we cannot hear the melody of the song, we can read the lyrics. What is in the lyrics that would be attractive to someone like Odysseus?
  1. Compare and contrast the dangers of the Sirens with that of the Lotus Eaters.

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Episode 7: Scylla and Charybdis

  1. Why does Odysseus decide NOT to tell his men of the danger they face? Is this both a wise and fair decision?
  1. What is the wisdom of choosing to sail closer to Scylla than to Charybdis?
  1. What is being compared in the extended metaphor used in lines 815-820?

Heroic
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Episode 8: The Cattle of the Sun God

  1. How does Eurylochus persuade Odysseus’ men to slaughter and eat Helios’ cattle?
  1. How does Eurylochus then justify this decision to the Gods?
  1. What is Zeus’ response to Helios’ demand for revenge?
  1. The Epic Hero possesses qualities superior to normal men but is also very human. Describe how Odysseus is both similar to normal man and how he is different.

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