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Dive into the epic poem "The Odyssey" by Homer, exploring the Greek hero Odysseus' perilous journey back home to Ithaca. Witness his encounters with gods, mythical creatures, and challenges as he demonstrates loyalty, courage, and honor. Unravel the literary techniques such as simile, metaphor, and foreshadowing used to craft this timeless tale. Discover the archetype of the Greek hero and the hero's journey cycle Odysseus undergoes. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Greek history and mythology as Odysseus battles against the odds on his quest for restitution and to overcome his hubris. Embark on this classic adventure filled with adventure, supernatural forces, and the resilience of the human spirit.
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The Odyssey Literary Terms Background Greek History December, 2014
Genre • EPIC POEM • A long narrative poem • Begins w/ invocation • Adventure • Heroic Figure • Setting is vast • Supernatural forces • Serious tone (elevated language)
The Epic Hero • An epic’s central character • Larger-than-life figure from history • Undertakes a dangerous voyage • Demonstrates loyalty, courage, and honor • Valued by society
Literary Techniques • Repeated description • Simile • Metaphor • Personification • Epithet • Foreshadowing
Simile • A comparison between two things using “like” or “as” • Example: “…and leaned on it turning it as a shipwright turns a drill in planking,…” (p.992)
Metaphor • A comparison between two things without using “like” or “as” • Example: “Why bait the beast again?” (p.996)
Personification • Describing an object by giving it human qualities • Example: “…The Cyclops bellowed and the rock roared round him…” (p.992)
Epithet • Short, descriptive title • A characterizing word or phrase associated with a person or thing • Example: “Richard the Lion-Hearted” “…the young Dawn with fingertips of rose” (p.990)
Foreshadowing • Clues that suggest events that have yet to occur • Creates suspense
Archetype • The most typical example of a particular kind of person or thing; ideal example • Universally recognized • Examples: the mother figure, the wise old man, the child, or the hero
The Greek Hero • Strong in mind and body • High social standing • Actions affect others • Struggle against human weakness
The Hero’s Journey • CYCLE: • Hero possesses supernatural ability • Charged with a quest • Hero is tested • Travels to supernatural world • Hero nearly gives up • A resurrection: moves from defeat to triumph • Restitution: regains rightful place on throne
Hubris • Excessive pride or self-confidence • Arrogance • Think about Achilles in Troy.
The Odyssey • Begins “in medias res” • In the middle of things
The Iliad • The prequel to The Odyssey • Concerned with the events of the Trojan War • Written by Homer
The Trojan WarHistorical Context • Fought between Spartans and Trojans • Spartans- from Sparta V. • Trojans- from Troy
The OdysseyA Journey Home • King Odysseus fought on behalf of the Spartans. • He attempts to return home, Ithaca, after 10 years at war. • Gods, Poseidon, are angered by Odysseus’ pride and curse him to wander the earth.
Characters • Odysseus- King of Ithaca • Penelope- Queen of Ithace • Telemachus- son of Odysseus & Penelope • Agememnon- leader of the Greek forces • Polyphemus (Cyclops)- son of Poseidon • Poseidon- god of the sea • Calypso- sea goddess who loves Odysseus • Circe- enchantress who helps Odysseus