The Odyssey

Introduction

• I. Background on the Trojan War
  • A. Zeus falls for the sea nymph Thetis
  • B. The Fates tell him that her son is destined to outdo his father.
  • C. Zeus quickly arranges a marriage for her to the hero Peleus
    • 1. Peleus is one of the Argonauts, helped by the gods.
    • 2. Thetis is Nereid who could change form.
    • 3. Eris (the goddess of discord) is not invited to the wedding; yet, she comes to throw an apple bearing the message “To the Fairest” into the midst of the goddesses.
  • D. Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena each claim the prize - later named the “apple of discord.”
    • 1. Zeus refuses to judge who is the most deserving - “the Fairest” among them.
    • 2. He sends them to the mortal Paris.
      • a. Paris is a “lost” son of King Priam of Troy, “lost” because of a prophecy at this birth that he would bring about the downfall of Troy.
      • b. He is considered a reliable judge because he once selected Ares (disguised as a bull) as the best entered in a cattle show.
      • c. He is currently a shepherd on Mt. Ida in love with the nymph Oenone.
  • E. Each goddess offers Paris a bribe.
    • 1. Hera offers him power over all of Asia and inestimable wealth.
    • 2. Athena offers him glory in military pursuits and inestimable wisdom.
    • 3. Aphrodite offers him the fairest woman in the world (Helen of Sparta) for his wife. [It does not seem to concern Aphrodite that Helen is already married to Menelaos.]
  • F. Paris judges Aphrodite to be the fairest.
  • G. Paris steals Helen from Menelaos and brings her back to Troy where he is accepted and all of Troy falls for Helen.
• II. Background on characters

  • A. Helen

    • 1. Daughter of Zeus and Leda

    • 2. Sister of Pollux [Polydeuces]

    • 3. Half-sister of Clytaimnestra and Castor

    • 4. Abducted before marriage by Theseus

    • 5. Sought as bride by all the heroes of Greece

      Her foster father, Tyndareos, neither chose one from among them nor accepted any betrothal gifts. Finally Odysseus proposed that Helen select her own mate and that all the suitors swear to defend her and her husband against all protest and danger. [Odysseus made this proposal in exchange for Tyndareos’ assistance in persuading Icarios to give Penelopeia to him for his wife.]

  • B. Menelaos

    • 1. King of Lacedaimon [Sparta]
    • 2. Brother of Agamemnon
    • 3. Husband of Helen

  • C. Agamemnon

    • 1. Elder brother of Menelaos
    • 2. Commander-in-chief of the expedition against Troy
    • 3. King of Mycene

  • D. Nestor

    • 1. Oldest and wisest of the Greek heroes at Troy
    • 2. King of Pylos

  • E. Diomedes

    • 1. Second only to Achilles in greatness as a warrior
    • 2. Brought the wrath of Athena on the Greeks when he raped Cassandra

  • F. Achilles

    • 1. Son of Peleus and Thetis
    • 2. Tricked into coming to Troy by Odysseus
    • 3. Fated to die before the walls of Troy
• III. The Trojan War
  • A. Ten years of indecisive battle
  • B. The Iliad covers the action in the tenth year but does not include the final victory.
    • 1. Achilles slays Hector
    • 2. Paris kills Achilles
    • 3. Odysseus wins Achilles’ armor in the funeral games [thus making an eternal enemy of Aias].
  • C. Odysseus devises the plan of the Trojan Horse
  • D. Odysseus and Diomedes steal the Palladium [a statue of Athena] from the temple in Troy.
• IV. Divine alliances
  • A. Greek side
    • 1. Athena - lost divine beauty contest
    • 2. Hephaistos - made Achilles’ armor upon Thetis’s request
    • 3. Hera - lost divine beauty contest
    • 4. Poseidon - grudge against the ungrateful Trojans whose walls he and Apollo had built during a penalty imposed upon them by Zeus.
  • B. Trojan side
    • 1. Aphrodite - patron of Paris and Aeneas
    • 2. Apollo - had a shrine at Trojan Pergamum
    • 3. Ares - lover of Aphrodite
    • 4. Artemis - sister to Apollo
• V. Greek values to watch for
  • A. The Code of Hospitality
    • 1. All travelers were under Zeus’s patronage.
    • 2. Consequently, travelers were to be treated with generosity.
    • 3. Those who sought the right of hospitality were called suppliants.
      • a. He bowed before his host and lay his head in the host’s lap.
      • b. The host recognized and granted the right by raising the suppliant to his feet.
    • 4. Noble suppliants did not always go through this ritual, but the host usually gave valuable “guest gifts” anyway.
    • 5. The code of hospitality may be seen applied to the lower classes when a beggar is allowed to beg unharmed.
  • B. The Code of the Vendetta
    • 1. The Bronze Age Greek civilization had no police force or court system as we know it.
    • 2. Murder was typically taken into the hands of a blood relative of the victim.
    • 3. Justice declared the right of the victim’s family to take vengeance in kind upon the perpetrator of the crime.
    • 4. It became a vicious, never-ending cycle.
  • C. The two great Greek commandments engraved on the temple of Apollo at Delphi
    • 1. Know thyself.
    • 2. Nothing in excess.

Daily assignments

• I. Assignment 1
  • A. Book I
    • 1. Central theme - a man who is never at a loss
    • 2. Emphasis on Odysseus’ experience, endurance, and capacity for learning
    • 3. Zeus states a significant Homeric Greek idea: man is essentially responsible for his acts and their consequences.
    • 4. The comparison of Odysseus to Agamemnon runs throughout the epic.
      • a. Odysseus - Agamemnon
      • b. Penelopeia - Clytaimnestra
      • c. Telemachos - Orestes
      • d. The suitors - Aigisthos
    • 5. Odysseus comparable to Athena
      • a. Crafty (agile-minded)
      • b. Witty
      • c. Taking pleasure in themselves
      • d. Adept at problem solving
      • e. Imaginative
    • 6. Exposition
      • a. Suitors have been on the scene going on four years.
      • b. Telemachos has arrived at untested manhood.
      • c. Athena is established as Telemachos’ and Odysseus’ patron.
  • B. Book II
    • 1. Penelopeia’s shroud scheme discussed (successful until betrayed)
    • 2. Telemachos’ choices
      • a. Cast Penelopeia out
      • b. Repay her dowry to her father, Icarios
      • c. Destroy the suitors (for which event he prays)
    • 3. Telemachos sets out on his own voyage or quest
      • a. In quest of knowledge about his father
      • b. Of self-discovery
  • C. Book III

    • 1. Nestor’s exemplary character

      • a. Pious

      • b. Hospitable

      • c. Wise

    • 2. The Nostoi (Homecomings) are related.

      • a. Neoptolemos
      • b. Philoctetes
      • c. Idomeneus
      • d. Agamemnon

    • 3. Telemachos establishes companionship with Peisistratos.

    • 4. Epithets

      • a. Wise Nestor
      • b. Sandy Pylos
      • c. Sunny Lacedaimon
  • D. Book IV
    • 1. Set out the outset of Hermione’s wedding celebration
    • 2. Telemachos’ awe of Menelaos’ palace reveals his youth and inexperience
    • 3. Helen’s role
      • a. Matron, not adulteress (as in the Iliad)
      • b. Tactfully rectifies Menelaos’ lamentation of Odysseus’ loss
      • c. Recognizes Telemachos’ likeness to Odysseus
      • d. Drugs Telemachos to remove his sorrow
      • e. Praises Odysseus’ resourcefulness and courage
    • 4. Menelaos’ tale of the Old Man of the Sea - Proteus
    • 5. At home Medon informs Penelopeia of the suitors’ plot against Telemachos.
  • E. General
    • 1. Theme
    • 2. Exposition
    • 3. Epic conventions
    • 4. The first four books are called the Telemachy
    • 5. The portrayal of the suitors as brutal and murderous
    • 6. The portrayal of Odysseus as resourceful and as a survivor
• II. Assignment 2
  • A. Book V
    • 1. Depiction of Odysseus as longing for home [Note that Odysseus is not ashamed to cry.]
    • 2. Depiction of Odysseus as suspicious
      • a. Of Calypso’s motives
      • b. Of Leucothea’s offer of help
    • 3. Depiction of Odysseus as one who endures the great difficulties of life
  • B. Book VI
    • 1. Character of Nausicaa
      • a. Charming
      • b. Folklore princess awaiting the handsome prince
      • c. Dignified
      • d. Innocent archetype of young woman on threshold of adulthood
      • e. Subtle
      • f. Individualized
      • g. Naive
      • h. Flirtatious
      • i. Quick-witted
      • j. Kind
    • 2. Depiction of Odysseus’ ready wit as a fabulist and a flatterer
    • 3. Unsubtle hints of Odysseus as Nausicaa’s image of the ideal husband
  • C. Book VII
    • 1. The walk to the palace illustrates Odysseus’ eagerness to observe and to enjoy despite fatigue and hunger.
    • 2. Note that Odysseus makes his appeal to Arete [as both Nausicaa and Athena have urged].
  • D. Book VIII
    • 1. Demodocos may be the artist’s [Homer’s] depiction of himself
      • a. Sings of the Trojan War
      • b. Is blind
    • 2. Note the lay of Hephaistos, Ares, and Aphrodite
      • a. How does Aphrodite’s contempt for Hephaistos’ lameness relate to any of the themes?
      • b. How does her preference for the bloody war-god relate?
      • c. How does the general laughter contrast to Hephaistos’ pathos?
    • 3. The lay of the Trojan Horse provides an excellent segue to Odysseus’ tale.
  • E. General
    • 1. Development of Odysseus’ character traits
    • 2. Role of female characters
    • 3. Themes of piety and fidelity
• III. Assignment 3
  • A. Book IX
    • 1. The Ciconians [Contrast Odysseus’ caution to his men’s rashness.]
    • 2. The Lotos-Eaters [Note Odysseus’ resistance to temptation.]
    • 3. The Cyclopes
      • a. Note pre-civilized nature of Cyclopian life
      • b. Contrast violent, lawless Cyclopes to violent, “civilized” Odysseus
      • c. The encounter with Polyphemos develops Odysseus’ character
        • 1) Craftiness
        • 2) Incautious arrogance
        • 3) Origin of Odysseus’ enmity with Poseidon
  • B. Book X
    • 1. Aiolia - home of Aiolos [Illustrates Odysseus’ charm in contrast to his men’s greed.]
    • 2. Laistrygonians - serves to begin Odysseus’ isolation
    • 3. Aiaia - home of Circe [Illustrates Odysseus’ strengths.]
      • a. Friend of the gods
      • b. Courageous
      • c. Far-sighted
  • C. Book XI
    • 1. Turning point The descent into the Underworld, a key epic convention, symbolizes the acquisition of self-knowledge - generally of one’s mortality. Compare to Gilgamesh’s similar journey: journey into darkness, passage over water, advice about the value of enjoying life.]
    • 2. Teiresias’ three-fold prophecy
      • a. Situation at home and foretelling of successful revenge
      • b. Key to reconciliation with Poseidon
      • c. Warning against touching Helios’ cattle
    • 3. Catalogue of women [beginning with his mother]
    • 4. Agamemnon’s advice not to trust one’s wife too far
    • 5. Achilles’ paean to life [Compare to Satan’s opposite claim in Paradise Lost.]
    • 6. Aias’ brooding anger vs. Odysseus’ regret at winning Achilles’ armor
    • 7. Heracles’ comparison of Odysseus to himself
  • D. Book XII
    • 1. The Sirens
      • a. Illustrates Odysseus’ thirst for knowledge despite pain and danger
      • b. Points up his new appreciation of life and human limitation
    • 2. Charybdis and Scylla
    • 3. Thrinacia - home of Helios’ cattle [Final isolation of Odysseus}
    • 4. Second passage past Charybdis
    • 5. Washing up on Ogygia - Calypso’s home
  • E. General
    • 1. The Great Wanderings in the realm of the unreal or otherworld
    • 2. Odysseus’ symbolic denial or evasion of death
    • 3. Illustrates Odysseus’ character change - subtle as it is
• IV. Assignment 4
  • A. Book XIII
    • 1. Note that the Phaiacians suffer only one of Poseidon’s curses.
    • 2. Note that Odysseus’ sleeping voyage parallels many similar passages from the otherworld to this world.
    • 3. Odysseus’ tale told to disguised Athena illustrates both his ready-witted craftiness and his caution.
    • 4. Note that Athena compares Odysseus’ great cunning and eloquence to her own.
    • 5. She further praises his character.
      • a. Civilized manners
      • b. Cleverness
      • c. Self-control [somewhat recently acquired]
    • 6. The disguise of a beggar is the antithesis of Odysseus in every way
  • B. Book XIV
    • 1. Depiction of the faithful servant
    • 2. Odysseus tests and is pleased
  • C. Book XV
    • 1. Telemachos’ foresight is illustrated by his avoidance of Nestor
    • 2. Telemachos’ mercy is illustrated by his granting asylum to Theoclymenos
    • 3. Eumaios’ story of his own life serves to support his nobility of character
  • D. Book XVI
    • 1. Telemachos’ fear that Odysseus is a god arises from Athena’s many metamorphoses.
    • 2. Telemachos’ challenges to his father’s plans and his own suggestions illustrate his maturity and sound judgment.
    • 3. Eurymachos is shown to be a liar by his response to Penelopeia’s denunciation of Antinoos’ plot.
  • E. General
    • 1. Note Odysseus’ and Telemachos’ growth
    • 2. Note Eumaios’ loyalty
    • 3. Note the suitors’ despicable nature
• V. Assignment 5
  • A. Book XVII
    • 1. Note the warm reception Telemachos receives from his family and friends in contrast to his treatment of the suitors.
    • 2. Theoclymenos’ prophecy is an ignored foreshadowing of disaster.
    • 3. Melanthios’ rudeness to the beggar [Odysseus] illustrates his lack of grace and social conscience.
    • 4. Odysseus’ restraint further develops his maturity and endurance.
    • 5. Argos is a symbol of loyalty at its most basic level.
    • 6. Antinoos’ treatment of the beggar
      • a. Is ironic since he is no more than a glorified beggar himself
      • b. Builds contempt [in the reader] for the suitors
      • c. Illustrates Odysseus’ restraint
    • 7. Telemachos’ reaction to his father’s suffering illustrates his maturity in restraint under pressure.
  • B. Book VIII
    • 1. The Iros incident shows the extent of the power Odysseus is restraining.
    • 2. Odysseus’ indirect words of warning disturb - but do not deer - Amphinomos.
    • 3. Athena’s beautification of Penelopeia serves to inflame the suitors and incites them to gift-giving. [Compare to God’s making the Egyptians want to give the Hebrews precious gifts.]
    • 4. Note the irony in Odysseus’ expression of desire to compete with Eurymachos the braggart.
  • C. Book XIX
    • 1. Odysseus’ tale of himself to Penelopeia
      • a. Portrayal of his attractiveness to women tests Penelopeia’s jealousy and fidelity.
      • b. Allows another ironic foreshadowing
    • 2. Eurycleia
      • a. Her silence after recognition illustrates her obedience.
      • b. Her noble origins underscore her noble character.
  • D. Book XX
    • 1. The licentious serving girls
      • a. Point up the extent of treason in Odysseus’ household
      • b. Illustrate Odysseus’ recognition of the superiority of cunning over force.
      • c. Provide an immediate contrast against which to measure Penelopeia’s fidelity.
    • 2. Penelopeia’s preference for death over re-marriage illustrates her fidelity and devotion.
    • 3. Philoitios is the third faithful servant. [Three is a mystical and lucky number throughout the Western tradition.]
  • E. General
    • 1. Note the variety of omens concerning Odysseus’ return and the suitors’ imminent demise.
    • 2. Note the extensive use of irony.
• VI. Assignment VI
  • A. Book XXI
    • 1. Telemachos’ attempt with the bow
      • a. Confirms his arrival at manhood
      • b. Suggests he is in competition with his father
      • c. Reveals that his failure is pretense
    • 2. The servants = loyalty
      • a. Eumaios must deliver the bow to Odysseus’ hand because loyalty must serve the returning king.
      • b. Philoitios must lock the gates because loyalty must provide security for the returning king.
      • c. Eurycleia must hold the traitorous girls in quarantine because loyalty must defeat treason.
    • 3. Penelopeia is taken to her room
      • a. To protect her from harm
      • b. To keep Odysseus’ secret
  • B. Book XXII
    • 1. Right overcomes might [despite odds of 108 to 4]
    • 2. Odysseus maintains propriety in forbidding Eurycleia’s chant of triumph.
    • 3. Melanthios’ punishment befits his station and his character.
  • C. Book XXIII
    • 1. Penelopeia’s and Odysseus’ reunion is like that in a fairy-tale.
      • a. The testing secret of the bed
      • b. The lengthened night provided by the guardian spirit
    • 2. The scene is drawn with great sensitivity.
    • 3. The departure to see Laertes illustrates filial piety.
  • D. Book XXIV
    • 1. Contrast the suitors’ ignoble death to Achilles’ noble death.
    • 2. Agamemnon’s envy of Odysseus’ faithful Penelopeia closes the comparison of their two fates.
    • 3. Laertes’ slaying of Eupeithes [Antinoos’ father] completes the victory of a trio of heroes.
    • 4. Athena has the last word and brings peace.
  • E. General
    • 1. Justice of the suitors’ end
    • 2. Code of the vendetta for solving problems
    • 3. Odysseus’ wisdom, piety, and affection
    • 4. Athena’s role