The Odyssey

Literary Terms

Background

Greek History

November 1, 2011

Genre

• EPIC POEM• A long narrative poem• Begins w/ invocation

• Adventure

• Heroic Figure

• Setting is vast

• Supernatural forces• Serious tone (elevated language)

The Epic Hero

• An epic’s central character

• Larger-than-life figure from history

• Undertakes a dangerous voyage

• Demonstrates loyalty, courage, and honor

• Valued by society

Literary Techniques

• Repeated description

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Epithet

• Foreshadowing

Simile

• A comparison between two things using “like” or “as”

• Example: “…and leaned on it turning it as a shipwright turns a drill in planking,…” (p.992)

Metaphor

• A comparison between two things without using “like” or “as”

• Example: “Why bait the beast again?” (p.996)

Personification

• Describing an object by giving it human qualities

• Example: “…The Cyclops bellowed and the rock roared round him…” (p.992)

Epithet

• Short, descriptive title

• A characterizing word or phrase associated with a person or thing

• Example: “Richard the Lion-Hearted”

“…the young Dawn with fingertips of rose” (p.990)

Foreshadowing

• Clues that suggest events that have yet to occur

• Creates suspense

Archetype

• The most typical example of a particular kind of person or thing; ideal example

• Universally recognized

• Examples: the mother figure, the wise old man, the child, or the hero

The Greek Hero

• Strong in mind and body

• High social standing

• Actions affect others

• Struggle against human weakness

The Hero’s Journey

• CYCLE:• Hero possesses supernatural

ability

• Charged with a quest

• Hero is tested

• Travels to supernatural world

• Hero nearly gives up

• A resurrection: moves from defeat to triumph

• Restitution: regains rightful place on throne

Hubris

• Excessive pride or self-confidence

• Arrogance

• Think about Achilles in Troy.

The Odyssey

• Begins “in medias res”• In the middle of things

The Iliad

• The prequel to The Odyssey• Concerned with the events of the Trojan War• Written by Homer

The Trojan WarHistorical Context

• Fought between Spartans and Trojans

• Spartans- from Sparta

V.

• Trojans- from Troy

Map of Ancient Greece

Where is Greece?

The OdysseyA Journey Home

• King Odysseus fought on behalf of the Spartans.

• He attempts to return home, Ithaca, after 10 years at war.

• Gods, Poseidon, are angered by Odysseus’ pride and curse him to wander the earth.

The Journey

Characters

• Odysseus- King of Ithaca• Penelope- Queen of Ithace• Telemachus- son of Odysseus & Penelope• Agememnon- leader of the Greek forces• Polyphemus (Cyclops)- son of Poseidon• Poseidon- god of the sea• Calypso- sea goddess who loves Odysseus• Circe- enchantress who helps Odysseus