English 9YORKE

The Odyssey

The following reading assignments can be found in your copy of Robert Fagles translation of The Odyssey. Read the Study Guide; it will help you to understand the plot and keep track of the characters. Take notes as you read and keep a list of the important people and places of each book. After you have read, think about the following questions to prepare you for discussion.

  1. Read Book I: Athena Inspires the Prince

Books One to Four are basically the story of Telemachus’ education and maturation. To keep track of important themes, look for references for each of the following topics: wandering, the sea, interference by the gods, home and family, and characteristics of the epic hero.

Think about: Coming of age is an important theme in Books One to Four of The Odyssey. What precipitates Telemachus’ coming of age? What are some of the elements that signal this transition into independence and adulthood?

Think about: Characterization is the process by which the author reveals the character of a fictional character. Choose one major character and, using the text, describe his/her qualities or characteristics as they are revealed in the first book of The Odyssey.

  1. Read Book II: Telemachus Sets Sail

Think about: In Book Two, Athena compliments Telemachus by comparing him to someone. Who does she compare him to and what qualities does she highlight? If you were to be compared with anyone, who would you want to be compared with and which qualities would you want to emulate? How is this type of comparison a part of coming of age? Is it important? Why or why not?

  1. Read Book III: King Nestor Remembers

Think about: Sacrifices to and respect for the gods are very evident in this book. Point out some examples of where you see this. What does Nestor say about the role of the gods? What does this tell you about Nestor and his beliefs? Can you make general assumptions about Greek religion? How do you believe that people are empowered? Does your belief parallel or contrast to the Greek perspective?

  1. Read Book IV: The King and Queen of Sparta

Think about: Both Nestor and Menelaus graciously demonstrate important values of the heroic age: hospitality and generosity. What are some of the elements of hospitality that are shown by these kind rulers? Why was hospitality such an important value at that time? What do you associate with the term “hospitality”? How does it compare to the Greek concept?

  1. Read Book V: Odysseus—Nymph and Shipwreck

Think about: In Book Five, we meet the hero, Odysseus, for the first time. Describe your initial impressions of him. What interactions or descriptions are those impressions based on? (Use the text!) What is important to Odysseus? How does he respond to difficulty? Do you notice any heroic qualities? What are they and where does he display them?

  1. Read Book VI: The Princess and the Stranger

Think about:Both Nausicaa and Odysseus exhibit noble character in this book. Which interactions show the qualities of their nobility? Can you make any general statements about Greek nobility from what you see in these characters? Are these qualities that you admire? Are there any parallels to this type of nobility in our society?

  1. Read Book VII: Phaeacia’s Halls and Gardens

Think about: In this book, the importance and value of a home is emphasized through the description of Alcinous’ palace, the amenities that Odysseus is offered there, and the rulers of this domestic scene. What are some of the qualities of “home” that are so appealing in this book? What theme does this emphasize? Why would it be important to reintroduce this theme at this point in the story? How does your concept of “home” compare to the ones portrayed in this epic?

  1. Read Book VIII: A Day for Songs and Contests

Think about: In this scene, Demodocus provides entertainment at the feast. What effect do Demodocus’ songs have on Odysseus and why is Odysseus’ reaction important? What is unique about Demodocus and why is he an important figure?Who or what has a role in creating heroes in our age? What kinds of entertainment are we most moved by? Why is entertainment important?

  1. Read Books IX (In the One-Eyed Giant’s Cave) and X (The Bewitching Queen of Aeaea)

Books Nine through Twelve contain some of the best known parts of The Odyssey. Many of you may have already encountered these stories in a mythology unit or literature anthology without realizing that they are part of Homer’s classic. To see them now as a part of Odysseus’ experience gives them a new freshness and interest.

  1. Read Books XI (The Kingdom of the Dead) and XII (The Cattle of the Sun)
  2. Books XIII Ithaca at Last

Books Thirteen to Twenty-four contain a series of reunions (as Odysseus is reunited with family and friends) and introduce the theme of revenge (as Odysseus prepares to reclaim his wife and home).

Think about: Homecoming is a major motif throughout The Odyssey. How is Odysseus’ homecoming different than he might have expected?

  1. Books XVI Father and Son

Think about: Compare and contrast the two storylines that appear in this book. – how do they inform each other?

  1. Book XIX Penelope and Her Guest

Think about: Does Penelope know that her guest is Odysseus?

  1. Read Book XXI: Odysseus Strings His Bow

Think about:Loyalty is of utmost importance as Odysseus returns to his home and prepares for his revenge. Who shows loyalty to Odysseus and how do they express that loyalty? Do you admire them? Why is their loyalty an asset to Odysseus? Are you the type of person who maintains loyalty over a long period of time? What kinds of people/situations are worth being loyal to?

  1. Read Book XXII: Slaughter in the Hall

Think about:Compare this scene of vengeance to an action film. What elements do the two have in common? Which elements contribute to the suspense of the scene? What qualities of Odysseus are emphasized in this scene? Is he justified in taking this violent action? Why or why not?

  1. Read Book XXIII: The Great Rooted Bed

Think about: the elements of this initially tentative, but ultimately joyful, reunion between Odysseus and Penelope. Why are they hesitant? Is this appropriate? How do the two demonstrate their wit? What does this book reveal about the qualities of these two famous characters? Are they a good match? Was their relationship worth the long struggle of Odysseus and lasting patience of Penelope?

  1. Read Book XXIV: Peace

Think about: the resolution of the conflicts. Is this ending a satisfying one? Why or why not? If you were going to film this epic, describe the scene that you would choose to conclude with.