HOMER

THE ODYSSEY

Odysseus’ men eat the cattle of Hyperion

STUDENT WORKBOOK

Student’s name…………………………………………….

‘HELEN OF TROY’ THE MOVIE

  1. Where is Troy? What is the strategic significance of this place?
  1. Why was Troy difficult to invade?
  1. Who was Aeneas? What happened to him at the end of the Trojan war?
  1. Why did Paris wish to go to Sparta?
  1. What is Cassandra’s agony? Find out about her relationship to Apollo.
  1. Where was Paris shipwrecked?
  1. What happened to Paris’ peace mission?
  1. When he first saw Helen, who did he think she was and why?
  1. Who did she claim to be and why?
  1. What is the purpose of the council meeting of the Greek kings?
  1. Describe the atmosphere during this meeting.
  1. When Paris was brought before the council meeting, why didn’t anyone believe he was a Trojan prince? How was his position confirmed?
  1. How did Paris find out about Helen’s true identity?
  1. How did Menelaus know that Paris and Helen had already met? How did this influence his decision to kill Paris?
  1. How did Paris escape?
  1. How did Helen end up going with Paris, according to this version of the story?
  1. When Helen refers to her “Spartan life” what does she mean?
  1. How do the Greeks explain Helen’s departure and what do they decide to do?
  1. Who was the leader of the Greek allied force?
  1. How is Helen received in Troy by:

a)  the Trojan royal family

b)  the Trojan people

  1. “The face that launched a thousand ships”. Explain this quote.
  1. Where did the Greek allied force set up camp?
  1. How long did the war last?
  1. Describe events during the war years.
  1. What was agreed during the peace negotiations?
  1. Who / how were the negotiations spoiled?
  1. Who did Paris kill during the scramble over Helen?
  1. Who did Achilles challenge? Why? What was the challenge? What was the outcome?
  1. Who killed Achilles and how? Find out how he got his ‘Achilles heel’.
  1. “So dies Greek courage but not Greek cunning”. Explain this quote.
  1. What was Odysseus’ plan?
  1. “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts”. Explain this quote.
  1. How did the Trojans view this gift and what did they do with it?
  1. Describe the events that follow.
  1. What happened to these characters according to Greek mythology (not the movie):

v  Priam

v  Paris

v  Hecuba

v  Helen

v  Cassandra

BOOK 1

ATHENA VISITS TELEMACHUS

THE PLOT

Explanation of names:

Odysseus: king of Ithaca, creator of Trojan horse

Penelope: wife of Odysseus

Telemachus: son of Odysseus and Penelope

The suitors: a group of Greek (Achaeans) princes and lords who want to marry Penelope (they believe Odysseus is dead)

Ithaca: Odysseus’ island kingdom

Agamemnon: king of Mycenae (rich kingdom) and leader of allied forces that went to fight in Troy

Klytemnestra: Agamemnon’s wife

Aegisthus: Klytemnestra’s lover

Orestes: Agamemnon’s and Klytemnestra’s son

Phemius: the bard / singer / poet

The story:

Odysseus had been away for approximately 18-20 years:

  1. Fighting in Troy for 10 years
  2. Lost at sea and in Circe’s island for approximately 2 years
  3. On Calypso’s island for 7 years.

Book 1 takes place during Odysseus’ last year away from home ie 18-19 years after he left Ithaca to go to Troy.

Prooemium (Lines 1-11):

  1. Who is the speaker of the words written in Italics?
  2. What is a muse?
  3. Name the muse of epic poetry.
  4. Who is “that resourceful man? (line 1) What does the word resourceful suggest about him?
  5. Who does Homer blame for the loss of Odysseus men? Why? Quote from the passage.

Page 3 Explaining why Odysseus is delayed from returning home:

  1. Who is Calypso? Why did she prevent Odysseus from returning home?
  2. Which other god prevented Odysseus from returning home?

Pages 4-5 Athena represents Odysseus’ interests in mount Olympus:

The setting is now on mount Olympus where the gods live.

The gods are having a council meeting and talking about humans. Zeus thinks it is unfair that humans always blame them (the gods) for everything bad that happens to them. He uses Aegisthus as an example:

Aegisthus had an affair with queen Klytemnestra. When her husband Agamemnon returned home after the Trojan War, the gods sent Hermes to warn Aegisthus to end the affair. Instead of obeying, Aegisthus and Klytemnestra killed Agamemnon. When Agamemnon’s son Orestes, grew up, he avenged the death of his father by killing his mother and her lover.

  1. Athena tells Zeus, she doesn’t care about Aegisthus. Who does she care about instead? What does she complain about?
  2. Who keeps Odysseus away, according to Zeus, and why?

Athena is pleased with Zeus’ reply and suggests that they should help Odysseus return home.

  1. What does Athena suggest Hermes should do?
  2. What does she propose to do?

Page 6-11: Athena in disguise visits Telemachus

The setting is now the palace of Odysseus in Ithaca.

  1. Who is Athena disguised as?
  2. What is Telemachus doing and how is he feeling when Athena visits him? Provide evidence to explain your answer.
  3. Who welcomes Athena / Mentes? How does he welcome her? What does this show about him?
  4. This is an example of the custom of guest friendship. What does this custom involve? Why did it come about (give 2 points)?
  5. Describe the entrance of the suitors. What does this suggest about them?
  6. On pages 6-7 we have a description of what happens in a symposium. Describe.
  7. When Telemachus speaks to his guest, what is the tone of his voice and how does he feel? Provide evidence to explain your answer.
  8. When Telemachus asks Athena who he is, she tells lies to be more convincing. What is her answer? (Page 8)
  9. Outline what Athena says to Telemachus in lines 206-212. Discuss her tone and her purpose.
  10. What reasons does Telemachus give in lines 230-250 to explain why he feels so unhappy?
  11. What advise does Athena give Telemachus in lines 270-294?
  12. What does Athena say to Telemachus in lines 294-303 in order to force him out of his depression?
  13. How did Athena depart from Telemachus’ home? What is the significance of this?
  14. What effect did Athena have on Telemachus? Quote key words to provide evidence.

Pages 11-12: meeting Penelope

  1. Why does Penelope come into the dining hall?
  2. What evidence is there that Penelope is bold yet abides by the customs of her time?
  3. What does she ask Phemius to do and why?
  4. What is Telemachus’ reaction? What does this show about him?
  5. How does Penelope feel about Telemachus’ response? Quote from the poem to explain your answer.

Page 12-13: Talking to the suitors.

  1. At the end of book 1, Telemachus talks bravely to the suitors. Briefly outline what he says. Why this sudden change?

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF BOOK 1?

Complete this table by providing evidence:

FUNCTION / EVIDENCE
It gives background information to help us understand the story.
It introduces some of the main characters.
It helps us understand the gods and how they relate to humans.
It introduces some of the major themes.
It introduces ancient customs.
It introduces Homer’s poetic devises.

Sacrificing a bull

THE ROLE OF ATHENA IN BOOK I

Provide evidence (quote) to show that Athena is the patron goddess of both Odysseus and Telemachus.

Give a page / line reference for every example.

Evidence that Athena is the patron goddess of Odysseus

1
2 /

Page/line

Evidence that Athena is the patron goddess Telemachus

1
2
3
4
5 / Page/line

THE ROLE OF ZEUS IN BOOK I

What is the role of Zeus in Book I? Provide evidence to illustrate your answers.

Zeus’ role is:

1

2

3

TELEMACHUS IN BOOK 1

HIS AGE AND APPEARANCE:

1.  What is Telemachus’ approximate age in Book I? How did you come to this conclusion?

2.  Describe Telemachus. Provide examples/epithets/quotes from Book I to illustrate your answer.

HIS CHARACTER

The changes in the character of Telemachus:

How is Telemachus portrayed when we are first introduced to him? Provide evidence and source.

1

2

3

4

How is Telemachus portrayed after Athena has visited him? Provide evidence and source.

1

2

3

4

PENELOPE IN BOOK I

How is Penelope portrayed in book I? Provide examples for each characteristic. Give a page reference for each example.

PENELOPE’S CHARACTER

/ EVIDENCE FROM BOOK I

THE RESOURCE:

1.  Outline the story depicted in the resource below.

2. What do we learn about the character of Penelope from this story?

BOOK 5

ODYSSEUS AND CALYPSO

THE PLOT

1.  What is the setting:

Ø  In pages 63-64?

Ø  Pages 64-69?

Ø  Page 69-75?

Ø  Page 75

2.  Who speaks up in support of Odysseus (P.63)? Who does she address and what exactly does she have to say about Odysseus’ predicament?

3.  What do the words “keeps him captive there” show about Athena’s feelings for Calypso? (P.63)

4.  Outline Zeus’ prophesy (P.63-64).

5.  Who is the Giant killer? Describe his footwear. What does he carry in his hands and for what purpose?

6.  Describe Calypso.

7.  Describe Calypso’s island.

8.  Describe the example of guest friendship found in P. 65.

9.  What’s the significance of the words “it was Zeus who sent me”? (P. 65, l. 98-99)

10.  What words of Hermes’ (P. 65) suggest

a) that gods have human feelings too?

b) that gods live in a hierarchical society?

11.  What is Hermes’ message?

12.  How does Calypso respond:

Ø  Initially? – Quote key words. (p. 66)

Ø  Finally? Quote key words. (p.67-68)

13.  The very first time we meet Odysseus, he is not the man we expect. Explain why. (P. 66-67)

14.  What do we learn about Calypso on page 67?

15.  How does Calypso show her great love for Odysseus? (P.67, lines 195-7)

16.  What’s the great gift Calypso offers Odysseus (p. 68, l. 209)? Give THREE reasons to explain why he can’t accept?

17.  Calypso believes Odysseus wants to return home because of Penelope. What does she have to say about this? How does Odysseus respond? Comment on his words “wise Penelope” (P. 68, P.217). What then drew him back to Penelope?

18.  What does Odysseus’ response show about his character? Provide evidence to explain your answer. (P. 68)

19.  What do we learn in P. 69 about Odysseus? Provide evidence to explain your answer.

20.  To sum up, what help did Calypso give Odysseus?

21.  Who creates trouble for Odysseus while at sea and why? What kind of trouble?

22.  What is Odysseus afraid of when he is caught in the storm (P. 70 lines 306-312)?

23.  Name the goddess who helped him? What was her advice and how did he respond?

24.  When and how does Athena help Odysseus (P. 73 and 75)?

25.  Name the place that Odysseus landed in.

THE CHARACTER OF CALYPSO

Calypso’s appearance:

Describe Calypso and provide evidence from Book 5 - Give the page / line for each example.

Calypso’s character:

Provide an example for each characteristic. Give the page / line for each example.

Calypso’s character / Evidence
Feisty / hot tempered
Competitive
Loving towards Odysseus
Caring / generous
Give ONE other characteristic

OGYGIA / CALYPSO’S ISLAND

Describe in detail Calypso’s island:

Give THREE reasons why Odysseus was anxious to return home:

BOOK 5 CALYPSO

You are a famous Hollywood film director, planning a movie version of The Odyssey.

Write an advertisement for a Hollywood casting magazine, advertising for an actress to play Calypso. In this advertisement you must:

·  Explain what Calypso’s role involves

·  Outline the qualities you will be looking for in the actors you audition

·  Provide relevant illustrations / quotes from the text

·  Include references to possible actors who would be suitable

THE CHARACTER OF ODYSSEUS IN BOOK 5

For each characteristic, give TWO examples. Give the page / line for each example.

Characteristic / Example / Example
Resourceful / skilled
Brave / courageous / bold / defiant in the face of danger
Loyal
Physically strong
Tactful
Thirst for glory

THE GODS IN BOOK 5

THE ROLE OF ATHENA:
HOW DOES ATHENA HELP / PROTECT ODYSSEUS?

Page/line

Page/line

Page/line

WHO IS INO / LEUCOTHOE AND HOW DOES SHE HELP ODYSSEUS?

Page/line

Page/line

Page/line

HOW TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS ON CHARACTER

Consider the following answers:

Will they earn credit? What is wrong with them?

Re-write them:

QUESTION: How is Calypso portrayed in Book 5? Discuss at least THREE characteristics and provide examples to illustrate your answer.

First answer:

Calypso is portrayed as loving, loyal, brave and feisty. Examples of this is when she is willing to disobey Zeus and give Odysseus immortality so she can be with him forever. She is brave and determined to get her own way – especially shown when she tells Hermes what she thinks – she dares to challenge Zeus’ command. Her loyalty is also shown when she helps Odysseus with everything to help him prepare for his journey.

Second answer:

She gets all worked up when Hermes tells her to let Odysseus go.” You are hard- hearted you gods, and unmatched for jealousy”. Also, she has a strong character – talking about defying Zeus, not doing what he says. And, “My unhappy friend, don’t go on grieving” shows that she is caring.

How to answer questions relating to characteristics:

·  You must give an epithet to describe each characteristic eg cunning, deceitful

·  You must not give the same epithet twice (unless the question asks for it)

·  Be careful of synonyms eg brave and courageous, deceitful and untrustworthy – you will not get credit for repeating the same characteristic

·  Do not give an example without discussing what it shows about the character

·  Develop your answers fully

BOOK 6 NAUSICAA

THE PLOT

1.  What kinds of people live on the island of Scherie and who is their king?

2.  Describe Nausicaa.

3.  What literary technique is the phrase “the bright-eyed Athena”? Give TWO reasons to explain why the bard may have used this technique.

4.  What thoughts had Athena put into Nausicaa’s head? How? With what purpose?

5.  What does Nausicaa say to her father (Page 77)? What does this tell us about Nausicaa? Quote from the passage on page 77 to illustrate your answers.

6.  How does Athena intervene to ensure that Odysseus and Nausicaa meet? Why does the goddess want them to meet?

7.  Describe their meeting. What does her behaviour reveal about her character compared to that of her maids?

8.  What do Odysseus’ first words to Nausicaa show about his character? Quote to illustrate your answer.