Odyssey Book 6

Who lives on Scherie (the island Odysseus has landed on)?

The Phaeacians

Where did the Phaeacians originally live? Why did they have to leave?

They used to live on the lands of Hypereie but they were taken advantage of by their neighbours, the Cyclopes, who ravaged their land.

So Nausithous (= a son of Poseidon) took them and settled them in Scherie.

What type of people are the Phaeacians? Why is this important?

Civilised people e.g. they have temples (sign of worshipping gods) and they have agriculture.

There are two types of people according to the Greeks = Barbarians and the Civilised. If you were not civilised you were considered a threat.

What does Athene do while Odysseus sleeps?

She visits Nausicaa, disguised as one of her friends, and leans over her bed and suggests she act like a potential wife and go wash some clothes- for she knows that that is where Odysseys is sleeping.

Athene is cunning and wants Odysseus to reach the palace safely through the help of Nausicaa.

What is the significance of washing clothes?

Women gained Kleos through domestic chores and Nausicaa is of an age where she should be looking for a husband.

Who is Nausicaa’s father?

Alcinous, the King of the Phaeacians.

Finish the Line: Athene speaking to Nausicaa

‘That is how a bride gains….’

‘…a good reputation with people, which brings great pleasure to her father and her mother’

What does Nausicaa ask her father for in the morning, after Athene’s suggestion? What does this show about her?

She asks for a waggon so she can go wash clothes by the river ‘Father dear’. This demonstrates her persuasive skills as she gives various reasons why he should oblige

What did the women do when they reached the river?

They washed the clothes in the water then washed and bathed themselves with olive oil. After this they sat and ate a meal at the riverside while the clothes dried.

What do the women do once they have eaten?

‘They threw off their headgear and began playing with a ball’

Veil= what respectable girls wore in public to protect their reputations, without their veils they are vulnerable

What extended simile is used to describe Nausicaa?

An extended simile in which she is compared to Artemis (a symbol of beauty) to emphasise how attractive she is.

How do the women react when Odysseus wakes up after hearing all the noise?

They shriek and back away from him, except from Nausicaa who stands firm→ This is due to divine intervention from Athene who ‘put courage in her heart’

What does Odysseus discuss with himself when he first wakes up?

He wonders what country he’s in and whether the people who live there are civilised or not.

He is rational and self reliant deciding he must ask for himself- ‘I must go and used my own eyes’

What simile is used to describe Odysseus approaching the women?

‘Like a mountain lion’ → Used to describe a warrior rushing into battle → Highlights Odysseus’ embarrassment at being naked in front of the women

How does Odysseus try to win Nausicaa’s help? (4)

Rather than rush up and seize the girl by the knees, Odysseys tactfully asks for help.

1. Flattery → He compliments her appearance by comparing her to Artemis

2. Acknowledges family → He demonstrates that he is no threat to her

3. Hints at his status → He humbly brags about his travels

4. Talks of his troubles → ‘Pity me, princess’ Imperative sentences

What does Odysseus’ handling of Nausicaa say about his character?

He is able to carefully consider his options under pressure→ A sign of his resourcefulness

Odysseus knows that to approach a woman naked would be disrespectful so he does not supplicate her in the usual manner through touch

Scholarly Quote:

What does Peter Jones say about Odysseus’ character in this book?

‘(Odysseus must) show qualities no less vital for the Odyssey’s world than skill in battle was for the Iliad- tact, courtesy, self awareness and sensitivity’

How does Nausicaa respond to Odysseus asking for help?

Nausicaa agrees and calls back her maids to provide him with bathing materials before lending him some of her brothers’ clothes→ Display of good Xenia

What does Athene do to help Odysseus’ appearance? How does Nausicaa react?

Athene makes him seem taller and sturdier and makes his features more beautiful.

Nausicaa admires him and claimes ‘I wish I could have a man like him for my husband’

Scholarly Quote:

What does Clarke say about Nausicaa?

‘Nausicaa knows that this is the kind of man that she can bring home to mother’

What other displays of Xenia do the maids show Odysseus?

They provide him with food and drink

What does Nausicaa agree to do to help Odysseus? What is her only term?

Nausicaa agrees to guide Odysseus to the city BUT to prevent ‘unpleasant gossip’ she wants Odysseus to wait outside the city in a grove of Athene whilst the women enter first.

Why is Nausicaa so concerned about gossip?

With the princess’ impending marriage being something of a public debate, Odysseus could create some hostility if the citizens do not like him.

What does Nausicaa tell Odysseus he must do after the women have entered town?

Find Alcinious’ palace and supplicate Nausicaa’s mother by clasping her knees

At the end of the book what does Odysseus do?

He prays to Athene for help in his journey BUT he is unaware that she has already been helping him.