The Odyssey: Literary Analysis, Section I (45 pts.)

Directions: Answer the following questions on your own paper and in complete thoughts and sentences. Answers written in fragments, or without proper punctuation and/or capitalization, will get no score until corrected.

  1. Analyze Epithets: Identify three epithets used in Part I; they may describe anyone. For each epithet, do the following (9 pts.):

1.Write the epithet and cite the page and line on which it appears

2.Explain what it tells you about his character. Do not simply reuse the adjective; for example, writing “Wily Odysseus means he is wily” will earn no credit—explain using other words.

  1. Understand Character Motivation: After Odysseus escapes from Polyphemus, he makes sure that Polyphemus knows who outwitted him.

1.Why does he care?

2.What are the consequences of Odysseus’ behavior? (8 pts.)

  1. Interpret Epic Simile: Reread the epic simile on p. 1136, lines 193-198, which describes the men being caught by Scylla.

1.Explain what two things are being compared.

2.What effect does this comparison create for the reader; that is, what does it help the reader see or understand? (8 pts.)

  1. Examine Theme: One theme of the adventures described in Part I is that a hero must rely on cleverness and guile (trickery) to survive. Give two examples of events in the epic (from different adventures) that reveal this theme. (8 pts.)

Your choice: For this section, answer #5 (A, B, and C)OR #6(A and B)OR #7. (Worth 10 points regardless of which set of questions you choose):

  1. A) What god did Odysseus offend by injuring the Cyclops?

B) Why doesn’t Odysseus speak with his mother when he first sees her in the underworld? What internal conflict might this create for him?

C) What kinds of dangers did Odysseus face on his journey? Give at least three specific examples.

OR

6.A) Whomand what did Odysseus bring with him to the Cyclops’ cave? What do these choices show about him?

B) In what two ways are Circe and Calypso dangerous to Odysseus and his men?

OR

7. Odysseus’ men cannot restrain their impulse to raid Helios’ cattle; they make a poor choice even though they understand the great danger. What epic theme does this illustrate? What other events support this theme? Be specific. This answer should take the form of a complete paragraph (topic sentence, details, commentary, closure).