Literary Techniques in the Odyssey

Literary Techniques in The Odyssey

Answer questions on a clean sheet of paper – name, date and block in the upper-right corner.

Part I

1.  What is an epic?

2.  What is a Homeric simile? Give an example on p. 652 lines 38-47. What two things are being compared?

3.  What do you hear, feel, see, and smell in the famous description of Calypso’s home? (imagery, p. 652)

4.  On p. 654, lines 119-124, another Homeric simile is being used. What is it? What two things are being compared?

5.  In the poem “Calypso” on p. 655, what is the tone of the song’s first stanza (first 13 lines)?

6.  On p. 656, what theme of the poem does Odysseus express in his speech to the king?

7.  Sometimes we make inferences or draw conclusions from what we read because it is not directly stated. Given their circumstances, why would Odysseus and his men burn an offering for the gods on p. 660?

8.  What is being foreshadowed in lines 330-335 on p. 664?

9.  On p. 665, the Cyclops indicates that he will eat “Nohbdy” last. What is ironic about this?

10.  On p. 666 lines 385-393, another Homeric simile is used. What is it? What things are being compared?

11.  (same page) Explain the verbal irony in lines 398-408.

12.  Sequence the events that Odysseus took to plan their escape on p. 667 lines 426-434.

13.  What type of figure of speech is found in line 433 p. 667?

14.  What is ironic about the statement in line 454, p. 668?

15.  On p. 673 in lines 543-546, what is the simile being used?

16.  In line 663 on p. 677, what is the meaning of the word “innocent”? Use context clues to interpret!

17.  On p. 678, it says that Odysseus puts wax in his men’s ears before encountering the Sirens. Why do you believe he did that? What conclusions can you come to?

18.  On p. 683, lines 821-827 contain a Homeric simile. What things are being compared in this passage?

19.  What does Odysseus mean when he says that no man can avoid the eye of Helios (interpreting) p. 684? Why Helios, and why is this statement by Odysseus important?

Complete the QuickWrite on page 649, and then complete Response & Analysis on page 687, #1-7

Literary Techniques in The Odyssey

Answer questions on a clean sheet of paper – name, date and block in the upper-right corner.

Part 2

1.  On p. 691, what important Greek value does Telemachus and Eumaeus’ treatment of the beggar reveal (theme)?

2.  What is the Homeric simile used in lines 1029-1034 on p. 693-694? What things are being compared?

3.  What is the author’s purpose for including the old dog in this great epic (p. 694)? What is significant about the dog’s name (HINT: Jason & the Golden Fleece), how is the old dog characterized (lines 1049-1053), and what imagery are we provided with (lines 1042-1049)?

4.  On p. 695, what is the irony of the scene in lines 1062-1067?

5.  On p. 698-699, what imagery does Homer use to help his audience understand even something as ordinary as this scene at the storeroom (lines 1081-1097)? (there are visual, aural, tactile, and olfactory images)

6.  On p. 699, why does Penelope cry (interpretation)?

7.  In the italicized text on p. 701, why is Penelope’s acceptance of the beggar as a suitor ironic?

8.  In lines 1191-1207 on p. 702, how many auditory images can you find?

9.  The climax occurs on p. 703 – what is the main question you expect to be answered?

10.  On p. 704 in lines 1250-1252, what does Homer mean when he says the suitors “imagined as they wished”? (interpretation)

11.  (same page) In lines 1264-1279, what does Eurymachus’ speech reveal about his character?

12.  On p. 705 in lines 1285-1287 (and italicized text), what two things has Odysseus done to make it impossible for the suitors to “fight [their] way out or run for it?” (comprehension)

13.  On p. 705 in lines 1293-1303, what comparisons are made to Odysseus and his men?

14.  On p. 707, lines 1341-1346, to what does this simile compare Odysseus? How is this relevant?

15.  In Odysseus’ description on p. 708, what characteristics of the bed suggest the strength and endurance of Odysseus and Penelope’s love (interpretation)? How does the use of imagery in this passage emphasize Odysseus’ feelings for Penelope?

16.  On p. 709 in lines 1408-1418, what simile helps you understand the joy and relief that Odysseus feels in the arms of his wife?

Complete the QuickWrite on page 689, and then complete Response & Analysis on page 713, #1-15