The Odyssey

Day 1

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read “The Bronze Age Greeks,” “The Trojan War” and “Epic Conventions” in their packets. They should also have done the study questions on the first and second of those readings.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.

• B. Go over the answers to the Bronze Age questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

  • 1. What is our principal source of knowledge regarding daily life in Bronze Age Greece?

    The writings of Homer: The Iliad and The Odyssey

  • 2. What geographical/geological impediments to civilization exist in the Greek peninsula? What did they impede, specifically?

    The peninsula is rocky and mountainous. Agriculture is difficult because the soil is poor. Mountains and valleys make both transportation and communication difficult.

    What features promoted civilization? How?

    However, the climate is mild and the hilly terrain is ideal for grazing flocks.

  • 3. What three factors served as the basis of the Bronze Age economy of Greece?

    a) agriculture (particularly herding)

    b) pottery-making

    c) bronze technology

    * Students may also note the development of shipping.

  • 4. What are the five generators of civilization under the heading of the psychological condition, according to Durant? In simple terms, how did Bronze Age Greek civilization meet each of them?

    a) political order - kingship

    b) unifying basic belief - that to be Greek is to be civilized

    c) unity of moral code - codes of hospitality and vendetta, et al

    d) unity of language - Greek

    e) education - tutors, apprenticeships, and story-telling

  • 5. Compare the Greeks’ unifying basic belief to that of the Hebrews.

    Both civilizations saw themselves as unique among the peoples of the world. The Hebrews saw themselves as unique in their relationship with their God. The Greeks saw themselves as unique in their degree of civilization.

  • 6. Was the Greek religion more like that of Gilgamesh or that of Moses?

    The Greek religion is much more like that of Gilgamesh. The Greeks believed in a multitude of gods (polytheism), and they understood their gods in anthropomorphic terms. Their deities were often quite human in their motives and behavior.

  • 7. How was the Bronze Age concept of kingship different from the idea as you have generally understood it?

    Their kings were elected. The position was not necessarily inherited. The king was really the first among equals within the context of those people who held land and other wealth.

  • 8. Explain the codes of hospitality and vendetta. Read General Objective #2 at the front of this packet.

    The code of hospitality protects travellers in a fairly hostile world. Remember that in the Bronze Age there were no hotels or restaurants. Bandits wandered freely.

    The code of vendetta served the function that our judicial system does. However, their definition of justice depended more on retaliation and revenge than on rehabilitation or compensation.

    Interpret the meanings of the two commandments stated there.

    “Know Thyself” underlies the Greek passion for rational thought and self-examination. They gave birth to most of Western philosophy. Culturally, they practiced introspection and self-control.

    “Nothing in Excess” also indicates the value the Greeks placed on self-control. They believed in doing things in moderation rather than going to extremes.

  • 9. How did the Greeks pass skills and culture from one generation to the next? Be specific in your answer.

    The wealthier families hired tutors (or held slaves who served as tutors) to teach their sons philosophy, history, mathematics, and music. Most ordinary people families - whose sons would be expected to pursue a trade - arranged for their sons to learn a craft from an established artisan, serving as an apprentice.

    However, everyone learned the stories and traditions that shaped their culture and religion by listening to story-tellers.

• C. Go over the answers to the Bronze Age questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

  • 1. Draw a diagram of the family of Helen of Troy.

    Tyndareus = Leda = Zeus

    Clytemnestra Castor HELEN Polydeuces

  • 2. Why does Helen’s foster father have such a difficult time selecting a husband for her?

    Her father [foster father(?)] feared violence if he should accept the betrothal gifts of any one man.

    Who helps him to resolve his problem? How? What does he ask in exchange?

    Odysseus offered him a solution if the distraught father would help him win the hand of Penelope by interceding with her hard father, Icarius. Odysseus’ plan called for all Helen’s suitors to defend Helen’s chosen husband against whosoever should resent his good fortune in marrying her.

    Whom does Helen marry? Why? What bonus does her husband get in addition to Helen?

    As Odysseus knew he would, Menelaus won Helen’s hand. After all, he offered the richest gifts. Menelaus also eventually became king of Sparta when Tyndareus died.

  • 3. Why does Zeus arrange the marriage of Thetis and Peleus?

    Zeus loved Thetis, a sea-nymph. However, it was prophesied that Thetis’ son would be greater than his father - a fate Zeus could not abide. Consequently, Zeus arranged for Thetis to marry the hero Peleus.

    How and by whom is the wedding reception disrupted?

    All the gods and goddesses of all ranks were invited to the wedding and the reception held by Zeus himself - all except one that is: Eris, the green-eyed goddess of envy. In spite she tossed a golden apple among the guest bearing the inscription “To the Fairest.”

    How does Zeus sidestep his own responsibility for resolving the conflict that arises from that disruption?

    Zeus bade Hermes to guide the three goddesses to Mt. Ida to be judged by Paris, a”lost” son of King Priam of Troy.

  • 4. What does Aesacus prophesy on the day of his brother Paris’s birth?

    Paris’s brother Aesacus, a seer, prophesies: the child about to be born will be the ruin of our country!

    How does his father, King Priam, respond?

    Aesacus begged Priam to kill the child, but the reluctant father assigned the task to a shepherd who exposed the infant Paris to the elements on a deserted hillside.

    How does Paris survive?

    Miraculously, a she-bear nursed the child for five days. When the shepherd returned, he no longer had the courage to kill the infant. He took the child home to raise and brought a dog’s tongue to the King Priam as “proof” of the boy’s death.

    What event in his life seems to have qualified Paris to judge who is the fairest among the goddesses?

    As a sort of sport, Paris matched bulls against each other. He identified the best bull in his herd and offered a gold crown to anyone whose bull could defeat his. Ares, having taken the form of a bull, won the prize. All the gods were pleased by Paris’s cheerful willingness to make good on his promise of a gold crown. Hence, Paris seemed the obvious choice to judge the dispute of the goddesses concerning who was the fairest.

  • 5. What bribe does each goddess offer Paris?

    Hera promised to make Paris lord of Asia and the richest man alive. Athena promised to make Paris victorious in all his battles as well as the most handsome and wisest man alive. Aphrodite offered to make Helen the mistress of Paris.

    Whom does he choose?

    He declared Aphrodite the winner.

    How do the other two respond?

    At that very moment, Hera and Athena began to plot the destruction of Troy in revenge.

  • 6. When Paris returns to Troy, does he know he is a prince?

    Paris does not know his identity.

    How is his noble nature suggested?

    At Troy he excelled in competition.

    When given a second chance to prevent Troy’s doom by destroying Paris, how does Priam respond?

    When the priests of Apollo declared that Paris must be put to death to save Troy, Priam answered, “Better that Troy should fall, than that my wonderful son should die!”

    Who makes the third prophecy of Paris’s evil destiny?

    When Paris set out for Sparta with his newly built fleet, his prophetic siblings - Cassandra and Helenus - foretold disaster for Troy.

  • 7. How does Paris come to be in Helen’s house?

    Paris asked Menelaus to perform a ritual of purification for him in Sparta: Paris had accidentally killed a man and consequently required such a ritual cleansing according to the customs of the time.

    How does he seduce Helen?

    Aphrodite gave Paris her magic girdle, an enchantment that no one could resist.

    Explain the relationships between Agamemnon, Menelaus, Helen, and Clytemnestra.

    Agamemnon and Menelaus are brothers. Clytemnestra and Helen are sisters. Agamemnon married Clytemnestra; Menelaus married Helen.

    Who leads the Greek forces at Troy?

    Agamemnon becomes the commander-in-chief of the Greeks by virtue of his status as High King.

  • 8. How did the gods align themselves during the Trojan War?

    The gods who sided with the Greeks included Athena, Hera, Poseidon, and Thetis. The Trojans enjoyed the support of Aphrodite, Ares, Artemis, and Apollo. Zeus remained removed from either side, preferring to sit in detached judgment.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books I -II of the Odyssey. Do the study questions.

Day 2

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books I & II of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books I–II

• 1. Name and define the eight epic conventions.

  For a complete listing of the eight epic conventions, see “Background - Epic Form” in the student packet for the Odyssey.

  Show instances of the occurrence of any of them so far in this epic. State the theme of The Odyssey.

  Rouse’s translation does not include the invocation. However, on p. 7 students can read the invocation of the Muse in Richmond Lattimore’s verse translation (line 1: “Sing, goddess…”). Page 8 provides his invocation to the Odyssey: Tell me, Muse,…

  Rouse’s translation does summarize the theme in the opening line: This is the story of a man, one who was never at a loss.

  The second paragraph indicates opening in medias res.

  There are no catalogues in the assignment.

  Although Odysseus makes no extended formal speeches, the students may perceive other characters as doing so.

  There are no notable epic similes in this assignment.

  Examples of epithets include (Zeus) Cronides, (Zeus) Cloud-gatherer, (Poseidon) Earthholder, sandy (Pylos), and sunny (Lacedaimon).

  There is no descent into the underworld in Books I-II.

  • 2. Explain Odysseus’ situation. Identify Odysseus, Calypso.

    Odysseus is the title character. He has been away from home for twenty years - ten spent fighting the Trojan War and ten trying to get home. He has been shipwrecked on the island of Calypso, a sea nymph who loves him and who will not help or release him.

    Identify Poseidon, and Athena.

    Poseidon is the god of the sea who is angry with Odysseus (for a reason we will discuss at length later).

    Athena is the goddess of wisdom and defensive war.

    Who is Odysseus’ divine patron? Who is his divine antagonist?

    Acting as Odysseus’ divine patron or protector, much as Shamash was for Gilgamesh - only moreso, persuades Zeus to send Hermes to instruct Calypso to release Odysseus and to assist him in getting home. All this must be accomplished while Poseidon is distracted with his worshippers in Ethiopia.

    Poseidon acts as Odysseus’ divine antagonist.

    How do both influence the course of the plot-line centered on Odysseus?

    Poseidon seeks to block Odysseus’ homecoming at every turn.

  • 3. What are you told about characters named Aigisthos and Agamemnon?

    Aigisthos had just recently killed Agamemnon (the father of Orestes) and Zeus was angry with Aigisthos.

  • 4. Explain the situation on Ithaca briefly but accurately. Identify Telemachos, Penelopeia (Penelope), Mentes, Mentor, Eurycleia, and Ithaca.

    A number (108 to be exact) of younger men (older than Telemachos but younger than Odysseus) are suitors for the hand of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife - whom many presume to be a widow since Odysseus has not returned from the Trojan War which ended ten years previous to this time.

    What role does Athena play in getting the plot-line centered on Telemachos moving?

    Telemachos, Odysseus’ son, feels powerless to cast out these interlopers until Athena assumes the human form of Mentes, an old friend of Odysseus’ family, to urge Telemachos to go out in search of his father as a first step toward ending the reign of the suitors. Mentor is the man whom Odysseus left in charge of tutoring Telemachos and preparing him for princely manhood. (His name now means “coach” in English.) Eurycleia is Odysseus’ nurse, the oldest female servant in the household. Ithaca is Odysseus’ island kingdom.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books III & IV of the Odyssey. Do the corresponding study questions.

Day 3

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books III & IV of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books III–IV

• 1. The first four books of the Odyssey have sometimes been called the Telemachy (the epic of Telemachos) by critics. Retell the tale of Telemachos’ travels. How does Telemachos mature by means of these experiences? Describe the treatment given to Telemachos by Nestor and Menelaus. Which of their behaviors seem to be motivated by a concern for doing what is right? Identify Menelaos, Helen, Nestor, Peisistratos, and Pylos.

  Telemachos gains experience of the world (a necessary step toward maturity) by his travels. In Pylos he meets the Greek equivalent of Solomon, King Nestor, the oldest and wisest of the heroes at Troy. From Nestor Telemachos learns the value of wisdom and gains a travelling companion, Peisistratos, Nestor’s son. Telemachos also gets his first taste of the proper practice of the code of hospitality.

  In Lacedaimon (Sparta) he sees the luxuriance of the palace of Menelaos, the King of Sparta and husband of Helen, who teaches Telemachos respect for the gods when the boy verges on blasphemy by saying Olympus could be no more impressive than Menelaos’ palace.

  From Queen Helen he learns of his father’s imminent return home. [Helen is portrayed here more as a caring and wise matron than the seductive cause of the Trojan War.]

  Telemachos and Peisistratos participate in the celebration of the marriage of Hermione, Menelaos and Helen’s daughter.

  • 3. Retell the story of Agamemnon. Identify Agamemnon, Clytaimnestra, Aigisthos, and Orestes. Compare the story of Agamemnon to the situations on Ithaca and Ogygia.

    Agamemnon, the Greek leader in the Trojan War was the first to return home. (Odysseus was the last Greek hero to return home.)

    He was murdered upon his return by his wife Clytaimnestra’s lover, Aigisthos - Agamemnon’s own cousin. (Odysseus’ wife had remained faithful to Odysseus despite the advances of 108 suitors.)

    Orestes avenged his father’s death by killing his mother, Clytaimnestra, and Aigisthos. (Telemachos had done little before his journey other than bewail his family’s plight.)

  • 4. What outstanding female characters emerge from these books?

    The most outstanding female characters are Athena, Penelope, and Helen. (Some students might include Calypso.)

    What seems to be their social role?

    The role of each of these women seems to be to love and support her chosen man. Even Helen’s infidelity with Paris is left unmentioned. However, each of them also exercises freedom of choice and great household power. Of course, Athena exercises the power of a god.

    What details of the story seem most “feminine” or seem to be described from a “feminine” point of view?

    Feminine details in the story include attention to household furnishings, the marriage festivities, the motherly portrayal of Penelope, and others.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books V & VI. Prepare study questions.

Day 4

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books V & VI of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books V–VI

• 1. Show instances of the occurrence of any of the eight epic conventions in this assignment.

  There will be no examples of invocation, theme statement, in medias res, cataloguing, or descent into the underworld.

  The first full paragraph on p. 75, the last paragraph that begins on p. 75, and the first full paragraph on p. 98 are all examples of epic similes.

  (Zeus) Almighty, (Zeus) Thunderer (p. 62), King’s Messenger and Argeiphontes (p. 63) [for Hermes], and Laertiades [for Odysseus] (p. 66) are each examples of epithets.

  Odysseus does have some long speeches. Still, there must be at least two good-sized paragraphs in length to qualify.

  • 2. Explain Odysseus’ departure from Ogygia and journey to Phaiacia. Identify Hermes, Leucothea, Nausicaa, Alcinoos, Arete, Phaiacia/Scheria each to Odysseus and this adventure.

    Calypso helps Odysseus leave Ogygia on a raft he constructs, after Hermes, Zeus’s son and messenger, instructs her to do so, but Poseidon, seeing Odysseus leave Ogygia as the god returns from Ethiopia, sends a sea storm to wreck the raft. Leucothea, a minor sea goddess (who was once a human), gives Odysseus her veil which will keep him afloat until he reaches land. He is discovered by Nausicaa, princess of Phaiacia, who had been sent to the shore to was clothes as instructed by Athena in a dream. Nausicaa is immediately taken with Odysseus and offers him advice and aid. Surrounded by mist created by Athena, Odysseus walks invisibly to the palace where he invokes the rights of the suppliant from Nausicaa’s mother, Queen Arete, and her father, King Alcinoos. [Phaiacia is an ideal kingdom located on the island of Scherie] The king and queen receive Odysseus well as he spins a false yarn about his identity and experiences.

  • 3. Does Odysseus seem mature? Does he seem honest? Suspicious? Cautious? Why does he behave as he does?

    THIS IS AN OPEN QUESTION: [I believe Odysseus seems to be more concerned about his wife. However, he is still using his craftiness to avoid revealing his true identity. He persists in his disguise, however, to protect himself - and, perhaps, to protect those around him.]

  • 4. What outstanding female characters emerge from these books?

    Nausicaa is the outstanding new female character. Though she demonstrates submission to Athena, that behavior is clearly to be admired as appropriate respect for the gods.

    What is Calypso’s complaint when Hermes comes to order her to release Odysseus?

    She asserts that Zeus’s orders Odysseus’ release run counter to the behavior he allows among the gods (as opposed to the goddesses). The gods have numerous affairs with mortals whose lives they disrupt and destroy, but the goddesses are not allowed such behavior for the most part.

    What details of the story seem most “feminine” or seem to be described from a “feminine” point of view?

    The description of washing the wedding linen is particularly feminine.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books VII-VIII. Do questions.

Day 5

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books VII & VIII of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books VII–VIII

• 1. THE CODE OF HOSPITALITY: One vital social obligation that recurs throughout Greek literature is the code of hospitality. According to this precept, one is obligated to give food and shelter to any stranger who requests it. We may infer that the precept did not apply to obviously hostile suppliants. At any rate, those people of wealth who observed the law often included additional “guest gifts” to those who sought hospitality from them. Those who ignored or violated the code (either benefactor or suppliant) were subject to the wrath of Zeus.

  Describe the ritual Odysseus follows in invoking the right of hospitality in Phaiacia. Whom does he ask? What posture does he assume as he asks? How is he received?

  Odysseus kneels before her and places his arms around Queen Arete’s knees. He then declares himself a suppliant and asks for help in getting home. He next goes to sit among the ashes of the hearth. [NOTE the similarity to Job going to sit in the ash heap - an archetypal image of despair.] Arete receives his request with a tone of proper piety. (83-84)

  Does Telemachos experience the benefits of this code? Explain.

  Telemachos, too, explains this code’s benefits at the courts of Nestor and Menelaos.

  • 2. Recount the story of Ares, Aphrodite, and Hephaistos.

    Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, is the wife of Hephaistos, the ugly blacksmith god of Olympus. However, she is notoriously unfaithful, currently carrying on an affair with Ares, god of war. Hephaistos discovers their affair and arranges for them to be trapped in a metal net so fine that it cannot be seen. Caught and displayed for public humiliation, the two lovers evoke crude jests from the other gods until Poseidon pays Ares’ bail. [NOTE: The story is told to illuminate by contrast the theme of fidelity in the story.] (93-95)

    Who is Demodocos? How is he like Homer?

    This tale is told by Demodocos, Alcinoos’s blind bard. His blindness makes him a possible self-portrait of Homer.

  • 3. Most critics see the Phaiacians as the ideal society. What qualities do they possess that would support this assertion? [Be sure to consider their military prowess, their crafts talents, and their ships.]

    Their kingdom is obviously a happy one, defended by the bravest and best trained of soldiers - a military quality admired by the Greeks.

    Arete and Nausicaa, the queen and princess respectively, are both masters of household crafts such as spinning and weaving. Many of the characters are described as being the best at what they do.

    Their ships are reputed to be the best in the world: instead of using rudders, they are guided by thought. Obviously, this is a fairy tale society.

  • 4. What outstanding female characters emerge from these books?

    Arete is the outstanding new female character. She holds great power.

    What seems to be their social role?

    Though Nausicaa also demonstrates submission to her father, her power over him is clear.

    What details of the story seem most “feminine” or seem to be described from a “feminine” point of view?

    The activities the Phaiacians like even more than sports (typically male pursuits) include music, dancing, clean linen, and baths.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books IX-XII. Do study questions.

Day 6

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books IX–XII of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books IX–X

• 1. Make a list or outline of Odysseus’ adventures from the time he left Troy to his arrival on Aiaia. Keep your review of Odysseus’ wanderings brief, chronological, and accurate, including the threat posed at each point.

  • a. the raid on Ismaros of the Ciconians (100-1)

    • b. the stop over in the land of the Lotos-Eaters [forgetfulness] (101-2)

    • c. the encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemos [being eaten] (102-11)

    • d. the visit to Aiolos (and near return home) [aid - gift of winds]

    • e. the encounter with the cannibalistic Laistrygonians [being eaten] (113-14)

    • f. the year-long stopover on Circe’s island [seduction] (114-23)

      Identify Aiaia, Aiolos, the Ciconians, Circe, the Cyclopes, Polyphemos, Eurylochus, Hades, the Lotos-Eaters Laistrygonians, Polyphemos.

      AIAIA: Circe’s island home

      AIOLIA: the floating island home of Aiolos

      AIOLOS: the god of the winds - gives Odysseus a bag containing all the unfavorable winds

      CICONIANS: coastal people attacked by Odysseus for glory and plunder on his way home

      CIRCE: a witch who has the power to transform men into animals; she seduces Odysseus into a year’s stay after he overpowers her

      CYCLOPES: one-eyed giants

      EURYLOCHUS: Odysseus’ chief lieutenant

      LAISTRYGONIANS: cannibalistic inhabitants of the land of the midnight sun

      LOTOS-EATERS: people who partake of a berry that induces forgetfulness

      POLYPHEMOS: Cyclopean son of Poseidon whom Odysseus blinds in order to escape

  • 2. Recount Odysseus’ adventures on the island of the Cyclops in greater detail. Focus particularly on his escape.

    While exploring the island of the Cyclopes, Odysseus and his men wander into the cave of Polyphemos from whom he plans to seek guest gifts. Polyphemos ignores the code of hospitality and kills two of Odysseus’ men; then seals his cave. This brutality continues until Odysseus gets Polyphemos drunk on undiluted wine; Odysseus then puts out the giant’s eye with a heated and pointed stick. Polyphemos screams for help, but when he shouts the name of his attacker, the other Cyclopes believe him to be drunk: Odysseus had told the giant his name was Noman. Odysseus and his remaining men escape by being tied on to (Odysseus hangs on) Polyphemos’ sheep.

    Does Odysseus behave in a mature manner? Explain.

    As they leave in their ship, Odysseus rashly identifies himself, simultaneously keeping his ship in near range of Polyphemos’ hurled boulders.

    At what point in the story does Odysseus seem to begin to want to go home? Why?

    Odysseus does not seem to truly want to return home until he learns so much in Hades.

    Is this mature or immature behavior? How so?

    This is an OPEN QUESTION: However be sure the students see the following. Odysseus seems to realize there the value of family and fidelity. Such a realization is mature because it is other-directed rather than selfish.

  • 3. Explain the method for contacting the dead. Who explained this ritual to Odysseus?

    • a. Go to the point in the Underworld where the rivers Pyriphlegethon and Cocytos unite.
    • b. Dig a pit one cubit long and one cubit wide.
    • c. Pour in a drink offering: first, with honey and milk; second, with fine wine; and third, with water.
    • d. Sprinkle the liquid with white barley-meal.
    • e. In a prayer to the dead, promise them that if you return to Ithaca you will sacrifice to them a farrow cow.
    • f. Promise Teiresias you will dedicate your best black ram to him.
    • g. Following the prayers, sacrifice a black ram and a black ewe, turning their heads down toward Erebos.
    • h. Turn back toward the shore and wait for the dead to come.

  • 4. What outstanding female characters emerge from these books? What seems to be their social role?

    Circe is an outstanding - if not admirable - character. Her power over men is unquestionable. Even Odysseus requires divine intervention to overcome her wiles. She is capable of loving a human even though she is a goddess: she keeps Odysseus interested for a year. She even advises him on getting home.

Books XI–XII

• 1. Relate the advice Odysseus is given by Tiresias.

  Control yourself and your companions. (126)

  Avoid THRINACIA (the island of the sun-god) and by all means do the sun-god’s cattle no harm. (126)

  After you have killed Penelope’s suitors, take an oar and travel with it until you encounter someone who does not know what it is. Then plant the oar in the ground and sacrifice to Poseidon a ram, a bull, and a boar. (126)

  Return home and make solemn sacrifice to all the gods. (126)

  [Tiresias also predicts that Odysseus’ death will come to him from the sea.] (126)

  • 2. Which of the epic conventions is most noticeable in this sequence? (I am looking for more than one.)

    These two books continue Odysseus’ long, formal speech.

    Book XI recounts Odysseus’ descent into the underworld.

    That book also contains three catalogues: 1) the catalogue of women (from the last full paragraph on p. 128 to the last paragraph on 130; 2) the catalogue of heroes (from the first full paragraph on p. 132 to the first paragraph on p. 136); and 3) the catalogue of criminals from the second paragraph on p. 136 to the next to last paragraph on p. 137).

  • 3. Make a list or outline of Odysseus’ adventures from the time he left Aiaia to his arrival on the shores of Scheria (the island of the Phaiacians). Keep your review of Odysseus’ wanderings brief, chronological, and accurate, including the threat posed at each point.

    • a. the visit to the Kingdom of the Dead (Book XI) [eternal entrapment]

    • b. the return to Circe’s island (138-41)

    • c. the observation of the Sirens (141-2) [destruction on the rocks]

    • d. sailing between Scylla and Charybdis (142-3) [death by being eaten or death by drowning]

    • e. the eating of the sun god’s cattle (144-7) [destruction]

    • f. shipwreck on Ogygia (147) [marooned]

      Identify Hades, Teiresias, Anticleia, Achilles, the Sirens, Scylla, Charybdis, and Helios.

      ACHILLES: chief Greek hero at Troy; note especially his statement about death on p. 134 (second full paragraph)

      ANTICLEIA: Odysseus’ mother; he talks with her spirit in Hades

      CHARYBDIS: the whirlpool that swallow whole ships

      HADES: the realm of the dead

      HELIOS: the sun-god whose cattle Odysseus’ men slaughter and eat, thus bringing down his wrath on them

      SCYLLA: a six-headed monster that eats six of Odysseus’ men

      SIRENS: half-bird/half-woman creatures whose irresistible voices lure sailors to their deaths on the rocky shore of their island home

      TEIRESIAS: blind seer (prophet) whom Odysseus visits in Hades in order to find his way back to Ithaca (125-7)

  • 4. What outstanding female character emerges from these books? What seems to be her role in the story of Odysseus’ growth and change?

    Anticleia, Odysseus’ mother, makes Odysseus realize how foolish his adventuring has been. She sets him back on course, so to speak.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books XIII-XIV. Do study questions.

Day 7

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books XIII–XIV of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books XIII–XIV

• 1. How does Odysseus get home?

  Alcinoos sends Odysseus home in a Phaiacian ship; though he and Nausicaa are both disappointed since both had seen him as a fitting husband for Nausicaa.

  How does the CODE OF HOSPITALITY apply to his departure?

  Despite their disappointment Alcinoos and his advisers send expensive clothes, gold plate, a number of large tripods and cauldrons along with other unnamed gifts with him. These may properly be regarded as guest gifts just like those Nestor and Menelaos gave to Telemachos.

  What were the consequences to Odysseus’ benefactors for giving him aid?

  Unfortunately, the enraged Poseidon turns the Phaiacian ship to stone just before it reaches port [in fulfillment of prophecy]. (148-52)

  • 2. Which of Odysseus’ personality traits is demonstrated by his telling Athena the tall tale about his background?

    Odysseus’ craftiness is demonstrated in the yarn he spins for the disguised Athena, just as it was by the false identity stories he fabricated for Polyphemos and Alcinoos. (153-4)

    Does Athena approve or disapprove such behavior? Explain.

    Athena fully approves of one who exercises her gift - of craftiness - so well. She and Odysseus share a reputation for cleverness and intelligence. (154)

    Compare Odysseus’ behavior on the shores of Ithaca talking to Athena to his behavior on the island of the Cyclops talking to Polyphemos as he shipped off.

    When Odysseus realizes who Athena is, he responds with deference, gratitude, and relative humility (self-control) in strong contrast to his rash and self-indulgent behavior as he left the island of the Cyclopes. (109-119 and 154-6)

  • 3. How does Eumaios treat Odysseus?

    Eumaios practices the code of hospitality, speaks highly of Odysseus, and anticipates the revenge that will accompany Odysseus’ homecoming. (158-62)

    Who does Odysseus pretend to be? What do they talk about?

    To maintain his disguise Odysseus tells Eumaios he is the adopted son of Castor, a Cretan nobleman, and he recounts adventures in the Trojan War that are only thinly disguised accounts of his own true experiences. (162-5)

    What does Eumaios refuse to believe?

    Eumaios refuses to believe that his master could be dead.

    What kind of person is Eumaios?

    Eumaios is a loyal, practical man with a deep affection for his king and master.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books XV & XVI. Do the study questions.

Day 8

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books XV–XVI of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books XV–XVI

• 1. How does Athena bring Telemachos’ plot-line back into Odysseus’ plot-line?

  Athena goes immediately to Lacedaimon to fetch Telemachos home (158) because Penelope’s family is urging her to marry Eurymachos, the wealthiest suitor. She adds that a woman who marries a second time forgets her first family. This point is made to persuade Telemachos that he has a personal incentive for preventing a marriage to any of the suitors. Finally, she warns Telemachos of the ambush awaiting him in Ithaca. (169)

  • 2. Describe Telemachos’ first meeting with his father: include location and reaction.

    Telemachos meets his father for the first time in Eumaios’ hut. Because Odysseus initially appeared as an old beggar, Telemachos believes that he must be god when - after a brief departure from the hut - Odysseus returns restored to his full vigor and manliness and wearing sparkling raiment (through the intervention of Athena).

    What is their joint plan?

    They plan an assault against the suitors. Of course, they will have only themselves to rely upon - and perhaps a servant or two. Telemachos advises that Odysseus scout out the situation first hand. The hero does so disguised as a beggar.

    What is the suitors’ reaction to Telemachos’ return?

    The suitors are furious and decide they must find some way to do away with Telemachos soon. (180)

  • 3. How has Telemachos become more mature?

    Telemachos reveals his maturity when he questions the wisdom of two men (Odysseus and Telemachos) against 108 suitors and ten servants (185-6) and when he disapproves of the plan to contact the various farmhands and try their loyalty (187). Instead he wisely offers sounder plans, sounder in light of his superior knowledge of the circumstances on Ithaca. After all, he has been an eye-witness for the past four years.

    Explain the omen of the eagle. Who interprets the omen? Why is this significant?

    Earlier in Sparta, Helen had interpreted the omen of the eagle carrying off the goose to prophesy that “Odysseus after much tribulation and many wanderings shall come to this house and take his vengeance; or perhaps he is at home already, and laying plans for the destruction of all those men.” (172) The omen foreshadows the outcome of the story and gave Telemachos an excellent reason to hurry home.

    Identify Theoclymenos.

    Theoclymenos is the prophet who seeks purification and suppliant rites from Telemachos. He has been accused of murder, a crime he has - in fact - committed.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books XVII & XVIII. Do the study questions.

Day 9

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books XVII–XVIII of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books XVII-XVIII

• 1. Describe Eurycleia’s greeting of Telemachos.

  Eurycleia greets Telemachos as though he were her own long-lost son, showering him with hugs, kisses, and tears of joy. (191)

  Describe Telemachos’ conversation with Peiraios.

  Telemachos tells Peiraios - the friend to whom he entrusted Theoclymenos and the guest gifts he had received from Nestor and Menelaos - that if the suitors kill him he wants Peiraios to have those guest gifts. However, if Telemachos succeeds in overthrowing the suitors, he wants Peiraios to bring the gifts to the palace.

  Describe the suitors’ reactions to and feelings about Telemachos.

  THIS IS A REVIEW QUESTION: The suitors are enraged and wish to see Telemachos dead.

  Describe Telemachos’ treatment of Theoclymenos.

  First, Telemachos entrusts Theoclymenos to the care of Peiraios to ensure that he comes to no harm if Telemachos is ambushed. When Peiraios brings the fugitive prophet (he is accused of murder) to the palace, Telemachos extends him the code of hospitality.

  What is Theoclymenos’ prophecy in the hall of Odysseus’ palace?

  Theoclymenos prophesies that Odysseus is already back on Ithaca and is already making inquiries into the evil intentions of the suitors. (194)

  • 2. Identify Melanthios by occupation. Describe his treatment of Eumaios and Odysseus.

    MELANTHIOS is a goatherd in the employ of Odysseus’ estate. He looks down his nose at Eumaios because he is a swineherd who smells of the pigs he tends. He ridicules the rags in which both Eumaios and Odysseus are dressed and even kicks Odysseus in the hip. (195)

    Describe Odysseus’ reactions to Melanthios’ violence.

    Odysseus considers killing the man on the spot, but he decides to control his temper, thus keeping his identity secret until the proper time so that he can hold on to the element of surprise. (195)

    Describe Melanthios’ relationship with Eurymachos.

    Melanthios is Eurymachos’ favorite. Melanthios curries his favor and has abandoned all loyalty to Odysseus’ memory. He stands in direct contrast to the faithful Eumaios.

  • 3. Describe Argos’ reaction to seeing Odysseus.

    Argos - Odysseus old dog - wags his tail and drops his eyes but cannot raise himself to go to Odysseus. When Odysseus has passed, Argos dies as though the goal of the past twenty years - to see his master once more - was all that sustained his life. (197)

    Describe Odysseus’ reaction to seeing Argos.

    Odysseus secretly wipes a tear from his eye, but of course he can not acknowledge the dog without betraying his identity. (197)

  • 4. Describe Antinoos’ treatment of Odysseus.

    Antinoos - the chief suitor, the ringleader - refuses to offer Odysseus anything when the hero, disguised as a beggar, makes the rounds of the suitors asking for food. Indeed, he throws a footstool at Odysseus and hits his right shoulder. (199-200)

    The other suitors’ reactions to that treatment.

    To their credit, the other suitors tell Antinoos that he has been rude to the beggar. They warn him that if there is a god in heaven, he may be punished for violating the code of hospitality. [This attitude is ironic since every suitor there is also breaking the code. The word “if” also indicates a lack of piety on their part.] (201)

  • 5. What is Penelope’s prophecy?

    Penelope prophesies that Telemachos’ loud sneeze means that all the suitors will die. (202)

    What is Odysseus’ ironic answer to Penelope’s request?

    Odysseus tells Eumaios that he “will tell everything honestly to [Penelope], for I know all about him, and we have endured the same hardships.” (202) The irony, of course, lies in the fact that they are the same person.

  • 6. Identify Iros by occupation. Describe his challenge to Odysseus.

    Iros is the town beggar. He tries to drive Odysseus out (at the behest of the suitors), calling him old, dirty, and smelly. (204)

    Who proposes they fight? How restrained is Odysseus?

    Antinoos proposes that the two fight. (204-5) In the fight, Odysseus restrains his blow - calls it a “gentle tap,” but still breaks the cowering Iros’ jaw. (206)

    What is Odysseus’ advice to Amphinomos?

    Odysseus warns Amphinomos to remove himself from the palace before its master returns - or die at his vengeful hands. (207)

  • 7. Why does Athena put the idea in Penelope’s mind to go among the suitors?

    Athena intends the sight of Penelope to excite the suitors and to increase her value in her son’s and husband’s eyes. (207)

    What is the gist of Penelope’s whispered speech to Telemachos? What is Telemachos’ answer?

    Essentially, she chastises Telemachos for not defending the beggar (Odysseus) against the suitors. (208) Telemachos reminds her of the suitors’ overwhelming numbers, but he adds a prayer for vengeance. (208-9)

  • 8. What was Odysseus’ parting instruction to Penelope before he left for Troy?

    • a) Take care of my parents (Laertes and Anticleia).
      • b) When our son is fully mature, leave my house and marry whom you will. (209)

    What is Penelope’s criticism of the suitors’ courting behavior?

    She criticizes them for eating her out of house and home instead of competing with each other to offer her the richest gifts. (209)

  • 9. Identify Melantho by occupation.

    Melantho is one of the palace serving girls who attend the suitors. (210)

    Describe her treatment of Odysseus. Odysseus’ response to her words. Her reaction.

    She rates Odysseus for seeming to behave above his station. Odysseus angrily says he’ll take up her refusal of hospitality with Telemachos.

    What is Melantho’s relationship to Penelope? To Eurymachos? To Melanthios?

    Melantho is one of Penelope’s favorites, Eurymachos’ mistress, and Melanthios’ sister. (210)

  • 10. How is the personality of the disguised Odysseus different from the Odysseus we have come to know? How is he similar?

    This Odysseus is less quick to fight back. Instead, for example, he dodges a stool thrown by Eurymachos rather than fight the man. Still, he speaks quickly with rapid wit. (211-212)

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books XIX & XX. Do the study questions.

Day 10

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books XIX–XX of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books XIX–XX

• 1. What is the second step in Odysseus’ strategy - announced to Telemachos at the beginning of Book XIX?

  Odysseus decides that the arms in the palace must be removed and hidden. (213)

  • 2. What is the effect of Odysseus’ tale and comments on Penelope?

    Odysseus’ words move Penelope to tears. (217)

    How does she test his veracity?

    Still, she tests him by asking what clothes Odysseus wore when he saw him. (217) [Of course, he describes Odysseus’ clothes precisely.]

    What about his behavior impresses her (when she offers to have his feet washed)?

    She is later impressed by his discreetness in asking that no woman wash his feet - save one who has suffered as much as he. (220)

  • 3. Who washes Odysseus’ feet? Why her?

    Eurycleia washes his feet because she was Odysseus’ nurse - and has suffered much (220).

    How does she recognize Odysseus?

    She recognizes Odysseus by the scar on his thigh. (222)

    What does he say to her?

    He tells her to remain silent about his identity or die (222-3).

    What is her response?

    She promises to identify all the unfaithful serving girls (223).

  • 4. What dilemma faces Penelope so that her “heart is torn in two”?

    Penelope is torn between staying with Telemachos and remaining faithful to Odysseus and his estate on the one hand and marrying one of the suitors and gaining wealth on the other (223).

    What are the events and meaning of Penelope’s dream?

    In Penelope’s dream an eagle kills twenty geese then speaks to her, explaining that it is a vision of Odysseus’ returning and slaying the suitors (223-4).

    What contest does she propose and why?

    She proposes a contest to determine who will marry her: the man who, using Odysseus’ own bow, can shoot an arrow through twelve axe-heads. (224)

    What does Odysseus say about the plan?

    Odysseus urges her to declare the contest without delay (224).

  • 5. What behavior of the serving girls outrages Odysseus?

    Odysseus is outraged that the serving girls act as the lovers of some of the suitors (226).

    What concerns does he voice to Athena? How does she answer him?

    Odysseus is concerned about the blood-feud that will follow his killing of the suitors (due to the code of the vendetta). Athena, however, promises to protect him in any case (226-7).

  • 6. What is Penelope’s main request in her prayer to Artemis?

    Essentially, Penelope prays for death - so that she may avoid marrying at all (227).

    What is Odysseus’ request in his prayer to Zeus?

    Odysseus prays for a sign that Zeus - and the gods in general - approve of his return (and, by implication, his vengeance). (228)

    How is his prayer answered?

    Zeus sends a thunderclap, and a woman grinding corn cries out a hope that today the suitors will die. (228)

  • 7. Identify Philoitios by occupation. Describe his greeting of Odysseus.

    Philoitios herds cows; he is a cowherd. He greets Odysseus warmly and speaks longingly of his long absent master. (229-30)

    Describe Odysseus’ response.

    Odysseus is duly pleased by his faithfulness and predicts that Philoitios will see Odysseus’ return and revenge. (230)

  • 8. What is the suitors’ topic of discussion as they begin to gather outside the palace?

    The suitors are discussing how they could murder Telemachos.

    What is Amphinomos’ interpretation of the omen of the eagle and the dove?

    Amphinomos predicts that the eagle with the dove to their left presages the failure of any such plan. (230)

  • 9. How does Ctesippos treat Odysseus? How does Odysseus respond? How does Telemachos respond?

    Ctesippos throws a cowsfoot at Odysseus, but our hero merely dodges it and smiles grimly. Telemachos declares that he would have killed Ctesippos himself if he had harmed the old man. (231-2)

    What does Agelaos say to Telemachos?

    Agelaos says that they should leave the beggar (Odysseus) and all the servants alone. To Telemachos, however, he says that the boy should accept the fact that his father is never returning - and that he should advise his mother to remarry. (232)

    What vision does Athena send?

    Athena sends a vision of plates messed with blood that causes the suitors’ eyes to tear up and their minds to fill with fear. (232)

    How does Theoclymenos interpret the vision?

    Theoclymenos declares that the vision means that not one of the suitors will survive. (233)

  • 10. Analyze Penelopeia’s character.

    Penelope is an intelligent, caring, faithful, and careful woman. Her ruse with Laertes’ shroud indicates her intelligence. Her tender conversation with the disguised Odysseus indicates both her caring and her caution. Her prayer to Artemis proves her faithfulness.

    How does she compare to Circe, to Clytaimnestra, to Calypso, to Nausicaa, to Arete, and to Athena?

    She is as wise as Circe or Arete. She is far more faithful than Clytaimnestra. She loves Odysseus as dearly as did Calypso and Circe. She is as pure of heart as Nausicaa. She is as devoted to Odysseus and as crafty as Athena would have her be.

    Which women seem to represent Greek ideals? Which do not? Explain.

    Penelope, Nausicaa, and Arete all represent Greek ideals. The others do not because they exercise their power for strictly selfish goals.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books XXI–XXII. Do the study questions.

Day 11

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books XXI–XXIII of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books XXI–XXII

• 1. Identify Iphitos by his connection with Odysseus. How does Heracles’ treatment of Iphitos relate to the situation in Odysseus’ palace?

  Iphitos gave Odysseus the great bow that once belonged to Iphitos’ father. Like the suitors, Heracles violated the code of hospitality: he as a host [benefactor]; they as guests [suppliants] (234).

  • 2. Who is the only person to try the bow and also to be signalled to stop by Odysseus?

    When Telemachos tries the bow, Odysseus signals him to stop. (236)

    Why?

    If the boy had succeeded, he would have upset Odysseus’ plan of surprising the suitors after all of them had failed. Further, he would have won the contest - and, consequently, the right to marry his own mother (236-7).

    It is also necessary to note that Telemachos’ success with the bow indicates that he is physically and heroically mature.

  • 3. Identify Leiodes by his occupation and his current pursuit.

    Leiodes is the suitors’ diviner.

    What aspect(s) of the collective personality of the suitors is represented by Leiodes?

    Like all the suitors, he is more interested in wine than in action.

    What unwitting prophecy does he utter?

    He predicts that the bow will destroy many a strong man (237).

  • 4. How does Odysseus approach Eumaios and Philoitios before he reveals himself?

    First, Odysseus asks what Eumaios and Philoitios would do for their master if he were to return.

    What does he promise them?

    After he reveals his identity, he promises them wives, homes near the palace, and status as king’s-friends in exchange for their aid in his vengeance (238).

    What instructions does he give them?

    He instructs Eumaios to deliver the bow to him and then to instruct the women servants to lock themselves in their rooms and not leave. He instructs Philoitios to lock the courtyard gates (238-9).

  • 5. How do the suitors react to Odysseus’ request for a turn at the bow? Why?

    His request angers the suitors because they fear he may succeed. (Remember how well he fared in the fight with Iros, a man much bigger than he.)

    Give both Antinoos’ and Eurymachos’ reasons.

    Antinoos accuses Odysseus of stepping beyond his social station (239-40). Eurymachos asserts that they are all concerned that Penelope’s reputation not be sullied by second-rate suitors such as the beggar (240).

    What is Penelope’s comment on Eurymachos’ attitude?

    Essentially, Penelope tells Eurymachos that he and the others are just such suitors themselves (240.)

  • 6. How does Telemachos assert his authority? How does Penelope feel about it?

    Telemachos declares that he is the master in the house. Though surprised, Penelope admires his spirit.

    What happens to Penelope?

    She goes to her room and falls fast asleep (241).

  • 7. What are Eurycleia’s instructions?

    Eurycleia is instructed to lock up the serving women and not let them out (241).

  • 8. List in order the suitors killed by Odysseus.

    Odysseus kills, in order: a) Antinoos (#1), b) Eurymachos (#2), c) Demoptolemos, d) Eurydamas, e) Agelaos Damastorides, and f) Leiodes

    List in order the suitors killed by Telemachos.

    Telemachos kills, in order: a) Amphinomos (#3), b) Euryades, c) Amphimedon, and d) Leocritos.

    List in order the suitors killed byEumaios.

    Eumaios kills, in order: a) Elatos and b) Polybos

    List in order the suitors killed by Philoitios.

    Philoitios kills, in order: a) Peisandros and b) Ctesippos. Antinoos, the chief suitor - and, consequently, the chief offender - is killed first and by Odysseus, the head of the avengers (243).

    How is the killing or capture of each of the following appropriate: Antinoos, Amphinomos, Melanthios, Ctesippos? Which of Odysseus’ men are wounded?

    Ironically, Odysseus had warned Amphinomos to run the day before (206). Fittingly, Odysseus’ son kills him as he runs - too late - to escape (244).

    Eumaios and Philoitios, the two faithful servants, efficiently subdue Melanthios, the primary unfaithful servant (246). Men of the same station subdue another of the same station.

    The cowherd Philoitios kills Ctesippos who had that morning thrown a cowsfoot at Odysseus (248/231).

    Telemachos’ wrist is grazed by Amphimedon, and Eumaios’ shoulder is grazed by Ctesippos’ spear (248).

    9.How does Eurymachos attempt to evade death?

    Eurymachos attempts to save his own life by placing all the blame for the four years the suitors plundered Odysseus’ goods. He declares that Antinoos never wanted a wife but did wish to kill Telemachos and become sole lord of Ithaca. He then offers a compensation of twenty oxen each to be paid by each suitor (244).

    What lies does he tell?

    His principal lie is that no one else is guilty.

  • 10. What is Melanthios’ role in the battle?

    Melanthios serves the suitors even during the battle, getting weapons for them from the storeroom (245).

    What is his fate?

    He is mutilated: nose, ears, and cods cut off and fed to the dogs; then his hands and feet cut off to vent the avengers’ fury (252).

  • 11. Why does Odysseus refuse to spare Leiodes?

    Odysseus refuses to spare Leiodes because as the suitors’ diviner he had often prayed that Odysseus never return - and that Penelope might be his (249).

    Who does he spare? Why?

    Odysseus does spare Phemios, the minstrel, because he was not a suitor but a singer “dragged in by compulsion” (249)

    He also spares Medon, the marshal, to serve as a moral witness that “doing well is far better than doing ill.” (250) [It should be noted that Medon had reported the suitors’ plot against Telemachos’ life to Penelope (58).

  • 12. Why does Odysseus check Eurycleia’s alleluia?

    Odysseus tells Eurycleia to be quiet so as not to arouse the suspicions of those outside (most of whom are related to the suitors by blood or service).

    What instructions does he give her?

    He also adds that it is not right to gloat over dead men.

    What instructions does he give the faithless women?

    He then tells Eurycleia to identify the faithless serving girls. They are to carry out the slain bodies, clean the furniture, and put the palace in order.

    How does he reward them?

    When they have completed these tasks, they are hanged. (251-2)

    How does Odysseus purify the hall?

    Odysseus purifies the hall with sulphur and fire.

    How is he received by the faithful women?

    The faithful women greet him with kisses and embraces. (252)

  • 13. How does craftiness come into play throughout his plan?

    Odysseus manipulates the bow contest, controls the weapons, and manipulates the suitors from behind a disguise.

    Is Odysseus just? Explain.

    Within the context of the society in which he lives, Odysseus does what is right. Even the gods support him in his quest for revenge.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read Books XXIII–XXIV. Do the study questions.

Day 12

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read Books XXIII–XXIV of the Odyssey. They should also have done the study questions.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading assignment. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.
• B. Go over the answers to the following questions. Each question has been assigned to a student. Call on the students to give answers. If no answer is forthcoming - or if the answer is broadly different from the one I have provided below, please read my answer to the class.

Books XXIII–XXIV

• 1. How does Penelope respond to Eurycleia’s news? Why?

  Penelope greets Eurycleia’s news of Odysseus’ triumphant and vengeful return with cautious disbelief. She had, after all, slept through the whole battle (253).

  What is her explanation of the slaying of the suitors?

  She asserts that one of the gods - disgusted with the suitors’ evil deeds - has slain them (254).

  How does she feel as she goes to see Odysseus?

  She goes to speak to the man whom Eurycleia says is her husband filled with perplexity. Should she test him or embrace him immediately? (254)

  • 2. What is Odysseus’ next great concern regarding the slaying of the suitors?

    Odysseus is now concerned about the blood feud his actions will set off.

    How does he rate those he has slain?

    He rates the suitors as “the finest lads in Ithaca” (255). [You should note that “finest” probably refers to their social rank rather than to their character.]

    What orders does he give?

    He orders that no news of the battle should be allowed to spread until he has gotten out to the fields and forests to devise a plan for dealing with the situation - with the gods’ help (255-6).

    What do the Ithacans say about Penelope?

    The Ithacans who formerly felt Penelope should marry, now criticize her faithlessness to Odysseus (256).

  • 3. How does Penelope verify Odysseus’ identity?

    Penelope maneuvers Odysseus into revealing the fact that he made their wedding bed from a living tree.

    How does she explain her doubt to Odysseus?

    She explains that her doubt arose from fear of deception. (257)

    What “gift” does Athena give the reunited couple?

    Athena gives them an extra-long night together. (258)

    What do they talk about?

    Penelope speaks of her hardships on the home front, and Odysseus tells her of his wanderings. (259)

  • 4. In the Underworld, what does Achilles lament?

    Achilles laments the ignoble death of Agamemnon at the hands of his wife’s lover. (261)

    What does Agamemnon recall with reverential enthusiasm?

    Agamemnon recalls the great funeral and mourning accorded to the dead Achilles. (262)

    Ironically, what service had Amphimedon rendered Agamemnon in life?

    Agamemnon had stayed in Amphimedon’s house while trying to get Odysseus to join the Greek forces bound for Troy. (263)

    How does Agamemnon - as well as the other heroes - respond to Amphimedon’s tale?

    Agamemnon responds to Amphimedon’s story with rejoicing over Odysseus’ triumph. (264)

  • 5. How did Penelope delay the suitors for three years?

    She declared that she would choose a husband from among them after she had completed Laertes’ burial shroud. However, each night she unravelled what she had done by day. (263) [Note that Melantho had exposed her ruse.]

  • 6. Describe Odysseus’ reunion with his father. How typically Odyssean is his initial speech to Laertes?

    Odysseus - even with his father - pretends to be someone else, someone who thinks Laertes is a servant. He also claims to have entertained Odysseus.

    What Job-like ritual does Laertes perform in response to Odysseus’ story?

    Laertes pours dust over his head in despair [reminiscent of Job’s pouring ashes on his own head], at which Odysseus reveals himself.

    How does Odysseus prove his identity to Laertes?

    Now Laertes demands a sign - and Odysseus shows him the scar (266-7).

    How does Dolios greet Odysseus?

    Dolios kisses Odysseus and weeps. [Note that Dolios is the father of Melanthios and Melantho.]

  • 7. Who stirs up the desire for vengeance among the suitors’ families?

    Eupeithes, Antinoos’ father, stirs up the desire for vengeance.

    What is Medon’s contribution to the meeting?

    Medon warns them that he sensed the hand of god (in the form of Mentor) in the battle (269).

    What is Halitherses’ advice?

    Halitherses reminds them that he and Mentor warned them not to let their sons pursue Penelope, and he declares they have paid a just price for dishonoring Odysseus, his family, and his home (270).

  • 8. What is the will of Zeus and Athena?

    Zeus wills the blood feud ended.

    How is it accomplished?

    Though they permit Laertes to kill Eupeithes, Zeus orders all the battle-ready men to halt. When Odysseus swoops toward them, Zeus sends a lightning bolt before the feet of Athena. She then orders Odysseus to desist. Then, in the guise of Mentor, she negotiates the peace. (271)

OVERVIEW

• 1. How mature does Odysseus seem by the end of the story? Explain. How mature does Telemachos seem by the end of the story? Explain.

  This is a completely OPEN QUESTION.

  • 2. What values seem to be most important to Homeric Greeks?

    Fidelity, hospitality, moderation, self-control, honoring the gods, and retribution.

  • 3. What is the significance of the character of Penelopeia?

    Penelope is the ideal Greek woman: faithful, intelligent, attractive, motherly, and a good home manager.

    Answer the same questions relative to Athena. In what ways does the resolution of the conflict seem “feminine”?

    Athena mediates the resolution. It depends on words rather than on weapons.

Assignment for next class meeting: Complete your essay over the Odyssey. It is due at the beginning of the period on Monday.

Day 13

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have completed their Odyssey essays.

Activities:

• A. Collect first drafts of students’ Odyssey essays.
• B. Administer quiz over the epic conventions. (Quizzes are located in the top drawer of the left-hand filing cabinet against the fabric-covered wall. If not there, they may be in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to the right of my desk.) Allow students about five to seven minutes to complete the quiz. Collect the quizzes and place them - paper-clipped - in the top left drawer of my desk.
• C. While the students take the quiz, record the names of those students who did turn in a first draft of their Odyssey essay.
• D. After everyone has completed the quiz, return the first drafts and distribute the model Odyssey essay. Point out the following:
  • 1. The proper heading at the upper right corner of the first page
  • 2. The proper method of labelling each page starting with page 2 - “student’s name and page number”
  • 3. The title
  • 4. The fact that the introductory paragraph includes a thesis sentence and an indication of the topics of the body paragraphs
  • 5. The fact that the body paragraphs follow the same order as the introduction suggests
  • 6. Each body paragraph includes at least three specific examples to support the topic sentence of that paragraph.
  • 7. The use of transitions to provide coherence
    • a. The first body paragraph repeats and expands on the idea expressed in the second sentence of the introductory paragraph.
    • b. The second body paragraph repeats the idea expressed in the third sentence of the introductory paragraph.
    • c. The third body paragraph repeats the idea expressed in the fourth sentence of the introductory paragraph and uses the word also.
    • d. The fourth body paragraph opens with the words “In the end” and recalls the idea expressed in the fifth sentence of the introductory paragraph.
    • e. The first sentence of the concluding paragraph summarizes the main points of the entire essay.
  • 8. Some of the sentences begin with the subject, some with a prepositional phrase, some with an adverb clause, and some with an appositive.
  • 9. Direct quotations use only the most pertinent information, using ellipsis dots to indicate omitted information.
  • 10. Direct quotations are documented by using quotation marks and by indicating the page from which they come in parentheses. Note, too, that the parentheses come after the quotation marks and that the page number appears by itself without the word page or any abbreviation before it.
  • 11. A direct quotation that takes five lines or more is double-indented on the left side (as is the one in the concluding paragraph) but is still double-spaced.
  • 12. Note that the verbs used in the body paragraphs to discuss the character’s personality and behavior are in the present tense. Whenever you write about literature, you use the present tense. [Past tense is used in the introduction only when discussing the ancient Greeks, not when discussing Odysseus specifically.]
  • 13. Note that the writer has avoided using form of to be (is, are). [Of course, you may use these verbs, but you should use action verbs whenever possible to give your writing more strength and reader appeal.]
  • 14. Even this essay could be improved upon. For example, the second body paragraph has only two specific examples.
• E. Remind students that they must have their completed revisions ready at the beginning of the period: written in ink (blue or black) or typed or word-processed, double-spaced, on one side of the paper only. Neatness will count.
• F. Remind students to look over the objectives at the beginning of their Odyssey packet to see what will be covered on the test tomorrow.

Assignment for next class meeting: Complete your essay over the Odyssey. It is due at the beginning of the period tomorrow. Be ready for the test.

Day 14

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have completed their Odyssey essays.

Activities:

• A. Collect Odyssey essays. Place these in the top drawer of the filing cabinet immediately to right of my desk.
• B. Collect students’ copies of the Odyssey. Place these on the table nearest my desk.
• C. Distribute tests and answer sheets. These should be located in the same place that you placed the essays. If you cannot locate the tests, see Mr. Comiskey across the hall.
• C. Allow students the entire period to take the test.
• E. As students turn in their tests (in one pile) and their answer sheets (in another pile), see that they check out a copy of the Oresteia. These will already be out on the table against the fabric-covered wall or in the closet nearest the entrance to the room. Sign-out sheets will be located in the box or in the lower right-hand drawer of my desk in the folder labelled “Book Sign-Outs.”
• F. Students need to pick up a copy of the Greek Drama packet at the same time. These will be located with the books or on the table immediately to the left of my desk.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read “Background - An Introduction to the Greek Theater” and “Drama Terms” in the packet.