Literary Analysis Workshop The Epic Odyssey Part I

Literary Analysis Workshop: The Epic “Odyssey” Part I: Hero’s Journey November 4, 2020 Sample footer 1

Part 1: Characteristics of the Epic Hero Epic Setting Epic Plot Archetypes November 4, 2020 Practice: Lit. P 1095 Epic Themes Sample footer 2

Part 2: The Language of Homer Translation 1 (verse) Translation 2 (prose) When primal Dawn spread on the eastern sky her fingers of pink light, Odysseus’ true son stood up, drew on his tunic and his mantle, slung on a sword-belt and a new-edged sword, tied his smooth feet into good rawhide sandals, And left his room, a god’s brilliance upon him. Dawn came, showing her rosy fingers through the early mists, and Telemachus leapt out of bed. He dressed himself, slung a sharp sword over his shoulder, strapt a stout pair of boots on his lissom feet, and came forth from his chamber like a young god. ----translated by W. H. D. Rouse (1937) * Define verse and prose. How are they different? ----translated by Robert Fitzgerald (1961) November 4, 2020 Sample footer 3

Part 2: The Language of Homer continued… • A simile is a comparison between two unlike things, using the word like or as. An epic simile develops at great length , so it goes for several line. epic similes • An epithet is a brief description phrase used to characterize a particular person or thing. Odysseus is known by various epithets, including “son of Laertes” and “raider of cities. ” • An allusion is a reference to a famous person, place, or event. • Don’t confuse allusion with illusion! epithets allusions * Practice: Lit. P 1097 November 4, 2020 Sample footer 4

Part 3: Reading the Epic • Note the changing narrators • Visualize & predict Narrative Poetry Practice: Lit. P 1099 November 4, 2020 Reflection of its time Sample footer • Listen for sound devices: alliteration, assonance, consonance & rhyme • Imagery & figurative language • Character traits • Influence from Greek history • Greek mythology 5

Part 4: Analyze the Literature Read the excerpt from Book 14 and respond to the questions on P 1100— 1101 Define and explain the main elements of an epic poem: epic hero, archetypes, epic simile, epithet, allusion, etc. Group discussion: Will Odyssey make a good movie? Why or why not? November 4, 2020 Sample footer 6

Odyssey Book 1: A Goddess Intervenes Quote: “skilled in all ways of contending” He is talented. Quote: “weathered many bitter nights” He is tough. Quote: “fought…to save his life” He is aggressive. Quote: “to bring his shipmates home” He is brave. November 4, 2020 Sample footer 7

Analyze Visuals (Lit. P 1105): November 4, 2020 Sample footer 8

Analyze Visuals Suggested Answer seaworthiness power strength royalty warship fearless the mythical setting of the scene November 4, 2020 Sample footer 9

THE TROJAN WAR IS OVER AND ODYSSEUS HEADS HOME FOR ITHACA.

Book 5: Calypso, the Sweet Nymph Odysseus is the only survivor of a storm, and finally floats up on the island of Ogygia. November 4, 2020 Sample footer 11

OK, CALYPSO You have to stay here for 7 years!

Epic Simile The simile compares the flight of a seagull, fishing in the waves, to Hermes’ trip to Calypso. The comparison conveys Hermes’ dexterity, speed, and supreme confidence as messenger of the god. Identify the epic simile in lines 9 -12. What does this comparison tell you about Hermes? November 4, 2020 Sample footer 13

Targeted Passage (lines 15 -31) November 4, 2020 Sample footer 14

‘”Feast of the Nymph Calypso for Odysseus" by Jan Brueghel) ca. 1616

Epic Hero(lines 43 -54) These lines emphasize Odysseus’ loyalty and determination. Although he is the captive of the beautiful Calypso, he still longs for home and looks to the horizon. November 4, 2020 Sample footer 16

Epithet: a descriptive term or phrase used like a title to characterize a person. He is referred to as “the strategist Odysseus” because of his shrewd, diplomatic way of handling people and situations. In lines 81 -86, Odysseus cleverly flatters Calypso, allaying her jealousy and anger, while he remains loyal to Penelope. The epithet also supports Calypso’s reference to him as “versatile Odysseus”. November 4, 2020 Sample footer 17

Book 9: New Coasts and Poseidon’s Son- “I am Laertes’ Son” family home November 4, 2020 Sample footer 18

Book 9: The Lotus Eaters November 4, 2020 Sample footer 19

Book 9: The Cyclops November 4, 2020 Sample footer 20

Book 9: The Cyclops What are you going to do with that hot stick? I JUST POKED OUT NOBODY’S EYE! Polyphemus November 4, 2020 Sample footer 21

Book 10: Circe, the Grace of the Witch So he sailed to Aeolus DON’T OPEN THE BAG!

But when the ships are in sight of Ithaca, Odysseus' men get curious and open the bag of winds…

Away from Aeolus, Odysseus and his fleet come to a strange place called the Land of the Laestrygonians. The people here are cannibals and they eat some of Odysseus' men. Then they launch rocks from the high cliffs, destroying 11 of Odysseus' 12 ships. Odysseus is compelled to leave with only his ship.

Book 10: Circe, the Grace of the Witch When Odysseus arrived on Aeaea, Circe touched his comrades with a wand turned them into wolves, swine, asses and lion. November 4, 2020 “YOUR MEN MAKE FINE BEASTS” Sample footer 27

You’ve been here a year, GO TO HADES.

Book 11: The Land of the Dead November 4, 2020 Sample footer 29

In Hades he met the souls of Achilles, Agamemnon, and others, including his mother. November 4, 2020 Sample footer 30

P 1129: Lines 89 -91 November 4, 2020 Sample footer 31

Book 12: The Sirens; Scylla and Charybdis November 4, 2020 Sample footer 32

WHY DO I HAVE WAX IN MY EARS AND WHY DOES THE BOSS HAVE THAT LOOK IN HIS EYE?

Targeted Passage: Lines 4 -21 (Lit. P 1130) November 4, 2020 Sample footer 34

In sailing past the cliff of Scylla, she snatched some of his comrades, and gobbled them up. November 4, 2020 Sample footer 35

Calypso’s Island HE IS FINALLY SENT HOME ON A RAFT ON THE COMMAND OF THE GODS. BUT HIS RAFT BREAKS APART! November 4, 2020 Sample footer 36

He washed up naked on the shore of the Phaeacians, where Nausicaa, the daughter of King Alcinous, washing the clothes. November 4, 2020 Sample footer 37

ALCINOUS FURNISHES A SHIP TO FINALLY TAKE ODYSSEUS HOME. MEANWHILE, HIS WIFE PENELOPE HAS BEEN STALLING HER SUITORS.

YOU’LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I FINISH WEAVING THIS.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN ODYSSEUS RETURNS HOME? READ ON TO FIND OUT. (The End of Part I)

Vocabulary in Context November 4, 2020 Sample footer 41