The Odyssey

- Literary techniques - Themes - Portrayal of characters - Portrayal of Odyssy boy

epithet

an adjectival word or phrase regularly added to a name to denote a personal or physical quality

formula (formulae)

a section of an epic poem, longer than an epithet, that is regularly used to describe a person, place or object

simile

a figure of speech whereby one thing is compared to another thing of a different kind in order to make a description more vivid

topos (topoi)

a poetic scene that occurs regularly, which is made up of a series of standard elements

dramatic irony

when a character does not know the full significance of what is happening or being said, but the readers do

pathos

literally ‘suffering’ in Greek, an appeal to the reader’s emotions by inviting them to feel pity and sadness

xenia

in Homer, hospitality given unconditionally to a traveller, involving the giving of any help needed; known as ‘guest- friend ship’

nemesis

the concept of revenge

nostos

the desire to return to your home land

kleos

the glorious reputation a Homeric warrior hopes to win

Antinous

Antinous in The Odyssey was one of Penelope’s suitors and the very first of whom to be slain in the hands of Odysseus

Penelope

• wife of Odysseus

• awaits his return for 20 years

• pursued by many suitors who invade her house, disrespect Xenia and eat all the food

• she is taken care of by maids, some of whom are disloyal to Odysseus.

• She is presented as a civilised Greek woman; she weaves on a loom

• she is cunning and smart as she says that she will marry as soon as the piece is finished on the loom. every night, she unravels her progress to make sure that she stays loyal to Odysseus by not marrying as she is very sure he is alive

• she is certain Odysseus is alive and displays persistance and determination as well as expressing lots of emotion when talking about Odysseus