Odyssey Exam - Plot Developments

Book 1

1\. The opening lines of the Epic constitute the Invocation of the Muse, a standard opening for all classical literature. Explain the purpose of this device.

It provides background info for the story, and it is where the poet invokes and seeks inspiration and blessing from the Muse.

Book 1

2\. Why isn't Odysseus able to return home at the end of the Trojan War. Why is Poseidon so angry? Who tries to assist Odysseus in returning to his home in Ithaca, and how?

He has been cassed under a spell to be the lover of a nymph named Calypso on the island of Ogygia. Poseidon is angry because Odysseus "poked the eye out of'' (3) Polyphêmos, his son. Athena tries to assist Odysseus in returning home to Ithaca, by visiting his son Telémakhos to bring to him "the news of his dear father" (4).

Book 1

3\. One of the literary conventions common to epic poetry involves the use of epithets. Define this device, explain its value to the poetry, and cite five examples from the text.

It is used to characterize a person, thing, or place to make its quality more prominent and to benefit the author of unnecessary writing. Five examples from the Odyssey are:

"blissful gods" (4), "gray-eyed Athena" (6), "winedark sea" (7), "young Orestês" (10), "famous minstrel" (11)

Book 1

4\. Characterize Telemakhos briefly. What qualities does he exhibit that are particularly heroic, suggesting the nature of his upbringing?

Telemakhos appears to be strong, tall, driven, and kind. But he lacks security regarding his father's past, and doesn't know how to proceed. This suggests he was kept hidden from his father's history and encouraged to not pursue his life, shielded from the rich story of Odysseus' past.

Book 1

5\. What is unusual about the speech Telemakhos makes to the suitors? (12-13)

He tells them he will speak to them the following morning-- only to reveal what he will say. He tells them grimly to leave, omitting any introduction or lightening of his speech.

Book 1

6\. Who are the chief spokesmen for the suitors? Contrast their reactions to Telemakhos' speech. (13-14)

Eurymakhos and Antínoös. Antínoös immediately accuses him of being directed by the gods, and forbids him from becoming the king of Ithaka. Eurymakhos, on the other hand, identifies weaknesses and flaws in his plan, in a more kind and helpful manner.

Book 1

7\. In whose character does Athena appear to Telemakhos? What news does she give him and what advice does she offer?

Athena impersonates Mentês, ruler of Taphos. She brings to the news of his father's existence and suffering, and advises him to seek out his father, travel across the sea to find him

Book 2

1\. How has Penelope delayed the suitors in their requests for marriage?

At one point, she confesses that Odysseus has died. Thus, she states that she must weave a shroud for Lord Laërtês, and once she completes that she will marry a suitor. However, after every day of weaving, she would unweave the string in the night, to avoid any progress and delay marriage.

Book 2

2\. What omen does Zeus send, and how does Halithersis interpret the event? How are his words regarded by the suitors, and what does Eurymakhos' speech demand of Telemakhos?

The omen that Zeus sends is a pair of eagles. Halithersês interprets this as a sign that Odysseus will return soon and that he bears a sorrowful doom for the many suitors, and tells them that they should leave. His words are regarded by the suitors as being crazy, mean, and wrong, and Eurymakhos says that Odysseus has actually died ("You should have perished with him" (24) ). Eurmakhos demands that the mother of Telémakhos gets arranged for a marriage.

Book 2

3\. How is Telemakhos treated by the suitors, and to what extent do they regard him as a threat?

Telemakhos is disrespected and unhonored by the suitors. They regard him as no threat.

Book 2

4\. Who defies Telemakhos announcing that he and the other suitors will remain in Odysseus' manor?

Leókritos.

Book 2

5\. Who is Eurykleia, and what does Telemakhos request of her?

Eurykleia is an old caretaker of the Odysseus household. Telemakhos insists that she gives him 12 jugs of wine and 20 bags of barley.

Book 2

6\. What disguise does Athena take on? Why? Does Telemakhos recognize her?

After rallying up citizens of Ithaca in the form of Telemakhos, Athena takes the form of Mentor, the owner and director of the household of Odysseus. She impersonates him because she wants to aid Telemakhos in his planning and progression of his voyage, but also because she wants Telemakhos to truly know that there is a Godly intervention in place. Telemakhos does that there is a god acting, but not specifically Athena.

Book 3

1\. Describe the ceremonies used to honor the gods.

On the shore of the sea black bulls are offered to Poseidon. All told, eighty one bulls are sacrificed by over four thousand people. The tripes are eaten, while the bones and fat lay burning for the gods.

Book 3

2\. What does Athena reveal to Telemakhos about the power of the gods?

Athena reveals to Telemakhos that "the gods were never indifferent to your life" (36).

Book 3

3\. What does Nestor tell Telemakhos about what happens to Agamemnon and Menelaos? What about Odysseus's fate?

Nestor reveals to Telemakhos that Athena intervened and caused an argument between Agamemnon and Menelaos, ultimately splitting up and weakening their fight. He has little insight as to what happened to Odysseus, as it has been long since he saw or has heard of him.

Book 3

4\. What is Nestor's advice to Telemakhos about whom to visit next?

Nestor advises them to visit Meneláos next in the land of Lakedaimon.

Book 3

5\. Who accompanies Telemakhos to his next destination to meet the Red-haired Captain? How do they travel?

Peisístratos, using horses.

Book 3

6\. Who is the Red-haired Captain?

Menelaos.

Book 3

7\. Who is Thrasymedes, what role does he play?

In an invocation to Athena, the sons of Nestor help arrange a magnificent sacrifice. Thrasymedes has the role of beheading the heifer (cow) with an ax.

Book 4

1\. How are Telemakhos and Nestor's son received by Menelaos?

Telemakhos and Nestor's son are received very graciously and happily be Menelaos. They are bathed, cleaned, fed, and pampered luxuriously.

Book 4

2\. How does Menelaos come to know Telemakhos's identity?

He identifies his distinctive bodily features, such as his similar head, feet, hair, hands, and glinting eyes. He also sees that Telemakhos cries when he reminisces about Odysseus.

Book 4

3\. What does Helen reveal of her character in presenting her account of Odysseus? Whom does she blame for her kidnapping, and what does she do to lull Telemakhos to sleep?

When Helen describes Odysseus she reveals that she is very observant and has interesting insight. She blames Afrodite for the kidnapping. She lulls Telemakhos to sleep with anodyne-- a magical potion.

Book 4

4\. How does Menelaos react to Telemakhos's depiction of affairs on Ithaka?

He freaking hates it.

Book 4

5\. What does Proteus tell Menelaos of Odysseus?

He tells Manalaos that Odysseus is still alive but under the control of Calypso in Ogygia.

Book 4

6\. How does Homer build suspense toward the end of Book IV as to Telemakhos's fate?

The suitors plan an ambush on Telemachus's ship!

Book 5

1\. Summarize the conversation among the gods at the opening of the book. Which of the gods appeals to Zeus, and how is this appeal answered?

Athena dramatically appeals to Zeus, crying out the atrocities and begging for the salvation of Odysseus. In response, Zeus sends Hermes down to Ogygia to let Kalypso know that they are ordering Odysseus home.

Book 5

2\. What is Odysseus doing when he first appears?

He is crying and mourning.

Book 5

3\. What will Odysseus sacrifice by returning to Penelope?

He will sacrifice his immortality.

Book 5

4\. How do Odysseus's speeches with Kalypso reveal his cleverness?

They reveal his cleverness because of the way it first states "to this the strategist Odysseuss answered..." (87). Then, Odysseus proceeds to explain how Kalypso is immortal, and thus doesn't age, and will retain a beautiful look for eternity-- while he says Penelope will grow old and worn. He says that his sadness is rather likened to his longing for home. He even says that Penelope would "seem like a shade before your Majesty" (87).

Book 5

5\. What aide does Kalypso give to Odysseus in his departure from the island?

Kalypso aids Odysseus by giving him a brazen axehead, an adze, and most importantly, a ship.

Book 5

6\. Describe Odysseus's voyage. In what condition does he arrive in Skheria, and why is it appropriate? (Consider that he is stripped naked, and that the swim is up river...)

18 days into the journey, Poseidon nealy kills him at sea. Then, Ino saves him, giving him a veil to make him temporarily immortal. He continues to be thrown around, on rocks, breaking his bones, and Athena also helps. Finally he makes a prayer to a river and is saved. He arrives exhausted, naked, broken, and weak, which is appropriate considering the days and efforts spent trying to survive.

Book 6

1\. Describe Naisikaa. What assistance does she lend Odysseus?

Naisikaa is the young, privileged princess daughter of Alkinoos, who assists Odysseus and provides him with new clothes and provisions, even inviting him over to her palace.

Book 6

2\. How does Athena intervene to insure Odysseus will get help from Nausikaa? Cite several cases of intervention.

\-when she "made her (Naisikaa) tarry", causing her to throw the ball off target and stumble upon Odysseus (102)

\-when she made her stand her ground, given a "bold heart" and "steady knees" (103)

\-she tells her, appearing as her friend, to wash her clothes

Book 6

3\. Among the Greeks, how does one beg a great favor of another? When does this happen with Odysseus, and what does this reveal of his character?

By saying a long speech that impresses (butters up) the subject. It is also commonplace for them to drop and embrace each other's knees. This happens in pages 103-104. This reveals about Odysseus that he is desperate, willing to do whatever it takes to survive and visit his home again.

Book 7

1\. How does Athena help Odysseus get to the palace? Who does Athena advise Odysseus to direct his plea to?

She helps him get to the palace by covering him in mist, to protect him from being noticed. Athena advises Odysseus to plead to Arete, the queen.

Book 7

2\. Describe the palace. Who are the Phaeacians honoring upon Odysseus's arrival?

The palace is tremendously luxurious, with bronze-paneled walls, golden doors, and silver statues of hounds. Upon entering, the Phaeacians are honoring Posiedon, toasting to Hermes.

Book 7

3\. Why is Arete suspicious of Odysseus?

Arete is suspicious because his clothes look familiar to the ones she made for her daughter.

Book 7

4\. What did the king and queen do for Odysseus?

They provide him with a plentiful meal and a bed to spend the night.

Book 7

5\. Impressed by Odysseus what does Alcinous offer the wary traveler?

He offers Odysseus his daughter's hand in marriage.

Book 8

1\. How does Euryalus incite Odysseus? How does Euryalus later atone for his insult?

He incites him by inviting him to participate in the games. He later atones for his insult by gifting him a bronze broadsword and apologizing.

Book 8

2\. What does Demodocus's song about Aphrodite's infidelity reveal about the gods?

It reveals that they do treacherous and sinful things to get their way-- even if it doesn't comply with the things they impose on mortals. Hubris!

Book 8

3\. What prophecy does the king announce to the attendees of the banquet?

He announces that one of Odysseus's ships will turn to stone (or wrecked) and mountains will be thrown up around his city.

Book 8

4\. How does the blind bard reveal Odysseus's identity?

The song causes Odysseus to cry a bit, causing the bard to inquire about Odysseus's identity.

Book 9

1\. How did the men serving under Odysseus folly cost many of their companions' lives?

They were greedy, feasting, and overconfident. They were attacked, and were surprised by the Kikones.

Book 9

2\. Again, Odysseus' men fall victim, this time to the Lotus Eaters, explain what happened?

The Lotus Eaters feed them a drugged plant that causes them to forget all their troubles, making them want only to loaf around and do nothing. Only by dragging his crew bag to his ship is Odysseus able to resume his journey.

Book 9

3\. What recurring theme seems to confirm Zeus's observation about men from Book I?

Folly and Greed!

Book 9

4\. Describe the goatskin full of wine that Odysseus carries given to him by Euanthes' son, Maron. How does the wine later serve Odysseus?

It has twelve two-handled jars of very strong brandy. 20:1 ratio. It later serves Odysseus because Odysseus uses it in his tactful attack of Polyphemus.

Book 9

5\. The episode where Odysseus and his men are confronted by the Kyklops is enriched with epic similes, locate three of these similes.

"But he, behind, reset the stone as one would cap a quiver"

"Pike of olive, green though it had been, reddened and glowed as if about to catch"

"And I leaned on it turning it as a shipwright turns a drill in planking"

"Or are you wandering rogues, who cast your lives like dice"

"Caught two in his hands like squirming puppies to beat their brains out, spattering the floor"

"Gaping and crunching like a mountain lion"

"Then lay down like a mast among his sheep"

"And it was like a mast a lugger of twenty oars"

"And I was filled with laughter to see how like a charm the name deceived them"

Book 9

6\. Describe the events where Odysseus uses his cunning to escape from the Kyklops.

Using the powerful wine, he gets Polyphemus drunk. Polyphemus asks for his name, and he responds "nobody", and then he is intoxicated. Afterward, he is stabbed by a red hot staff, and when Odysseus and his men leave, he yells "Nobody is killing me".

Book 9

7\. How does Odysseus's boastful repartee to the Kyklops influence his fate?

Odysseus yells "'If I could take your life I would and take your time away, and hurl you down to hell! The god of earthquake could not heal you there!'", to which Poseiden says "grant that Odysseus, raider of cities, never see his home". He reveals his identity, leading to his hamartia.

Book 10

1\. Who do Odysseus and his men receive help from in Aiolia? How do Odysseus's men once again foil their return to Ithaka?

Odysseus gets a bag full of the winds from a man named Aeolus, king of Aiolia. He is the god of winds, I guess, as well. The crew is sailing back, and on the tenth day they see Ithaca (Odysseus is exhausted). The shipmates get suspicious of the bag and think his sack holds treasure, and they tear it open, releasing the winds. The winds blew him all the way back to Aiolia.

Book 10

2\. What happens when Odysseus makes another appeal to the king?

The man didn't help him, believing the gods wished to do them harm.

Book 10

3\. Who do Odysseus and his crew meet on Aeaea, how does she complicate their journey?

They meet Circe, a beautiful witch-goddess, who drugs them and turns them into pigs. She also then becomes the lover of Odysseus, who stays with her for a year.

Book 10

4\. How does Hermes aid Odysseus?

Disguised as a young man, he gives Odysseus a potion called moly to protect him from the drugging from Circe.

Book 10

5\. What are the terms of Odysseus's concession with the witch? How does this episode reflect the male perspective of society?

He will do what she asks if she does. This illustrates distrust in female.

Book 10

6\. Where is Odysseus advised to travel when he and his men leave Aiolia? what is his purpose for traveling there?

It is advised that Odysseus travels to Hades to see Tiresias, a blind prophet, to find out how to get home.

Book 11

1\. What sacrifice does Odysseus make to assuage the nations of the dead?

He pours sweet milk, clear water, wine, honey, and barley onto the ground. He then sacrifices a lamb and ewe.

Book 11

2\. How did Elpenor die? What does Odysseus promise Elpenor?

He dies from falling from the roof of Circe. Odysseus promises Eplenor that he will give him a proper burial.

Book 11

3\. What other spirits confront Odysseus in Hades?

He is confronted by Anticlea, his mom. He is also confronted by Tyro, Antiope, Alkmene, Epikaste, Khloris, Lêda, Aloeus, Phaidra, Prokis, Maira and Klyemene.

Book 11

4\. What does the blind prophet advise Odysseus?

He advises Odysseus to keep the cattle of the Sun untouched (don't kill farm animals), because otherwise he would come home alone.

Book 11

5\. Odysseus is confronted by his mother's spirit, what does he learn from her?

He learns that many people, including her, suffered deeply with grief, thinking he was dead. She in fact died from it. This feeds toward his longing for home, making him more and more sad.

Book 11

6\. What reference to Oedipus is revealed in Book XI?

Tiresias, referencing the Sophoclean blind prophet. This is a brilliant Greek tragedy crossover! He also meets the mom of Oedipus, Epikaste.

Book 11

7\. What does Odysseus recount in his conversations with Agamemnon? With Achilleus?

He speaks about his wife, and the untrustworthiness of marriage, with Agamemnon. He speaks about his son (Peleus), and Neoptolemos, with Achilles.

Book 11

8\. Why does Odysseus abruptly leave Hades?

He is violently swarmed by souls of the dead.

Book 12

1\. What dangers do Kirke warn Odysseus about?

She warns them about the Sirens, dangerous rocks, called Drifters, Scylla and Charybdis.

Book 12

2\. Describe how Odysseus is able to get by the sirens? What does the anecdote again reveal about man's ego?

Odysseus is able to get by the sirens by putting beeswax on the ears of his crewmates and having him blinded by the mast of the ship.

Book 12

3\. What happened at the next obstacle that Kirke had warned Odysseus about?

The next obstacle are Scylla and Charybdis, who must be passed. They do Scylla.

Book 12

4\. Describe the confrontation between Odysseus and Eurylokhos? How is this debate fulfilling a foreboding from Teiresias and Kirke?

Trapped in an island, the crewmates soon grow very hungry. They then break the vow and slaughter cattle, which fully fulfill the nasty prophecy said by Tiresias.

Book 12

5\. What did Zeus do to Odysseus's crew?

Zeus lets matters rest for six days, and then creates another storm, which destroys the ship and kills everyone except Odysseus, who is sent to Charybdis, and flung out on nothing but a raft, to Ogygia.

Book 13

1\. After Odysseus completes his retelling of his journey what does Alkinoos offer Odysseus?

He offers many gifts. In particular, he was gifted a cloak and tunic, sea chest, and bread loaves and wine.

Book 13

2\. Describe how Odysseus was returned to Ithaka?

He returned, sleeping all the while, and was laid down on the shore of Ithaca with his gifts, and then his crew departed, leaving him. (They leave him far away from the road to hide from thieves).

Book 13

3\. What earlier prophecy is realized resulting from Poseidon's angry plea to his brother?

The prophecy that the ship of the Phaeicians will be turned to stone. The citizens pray and try to relax him so mountains don't spring up around them.

Book 13

4\. Who greets Odysseus upon his awakening? What change is made? Why does the change occur?

Athena, disguised as a shepherd, greets him upon his awakening. The change is that she presents herself in tall, beautiful form, to make Odysseus think that she really is Athena.

Book 13

5\. Why does Odysseus conceal his identity to Athena?

Odysseus tries to conceal his identity because "not that he told the truth, but, just as she did, held back what he knew, weighing within himself at every step what he made up to serve his turn."

Book 13

6\. What plans do Athena and Odysseus eventually make?

They agree to make Odysseus look like a beggar and appear outside the hut of Eumaeus.

Book 14

1\. Describe the swineherd that Odysseus meets?

He is respectful and loyal, and is mourning the loss of his master Odysseus.

Book 14

2\. What stories do Odysseus tell to the swineherd?

He was the son of a rich man in Crete. He loved fighting, and led a fleet in the Trojan War for ten years. Then, he went to Egypt, and escaping imprisonment by begging he amassed many riches over the course of seven years. He then went to Libya, but along the way was hit by a storm from Zeus, and washed up to Thesprotia, where king Phidon treated him kindly. But, he was then turned to a slave. Quite a story!

Book 14

3\. Why does the swineherd challenge Odysseus's tale?

He challenges Odysseus's tale because he knows he is lying about the part concerning Odysseus. And he believes that Odysseus died at sea.

Book 14

4\. How does the swineherd demonstrate his loyalty to Odysseus?

The swineherd demonstrates his loyalty to Odysseus by swearing off the suitors and showing massive respect to him.

Book 14

5\. What theme emerges in this conversation between Odysseus and his faithful swineherd?

A theme of loyalty and generosity, and ODYSSEUS emerges.

Book 15

1\. What does Athena urge Telemachos to do? Why?

He urges him to return home to Ithaca because apparently Penelope is soon going to marry Eurymakhos. She warns him of the suitor's plan to ambush him.

Book 15

2\. Who does Telemachos take with him from Pylos?

Theoclymenus, a man who murdered his cousin and sought safety with Telemachus on another island

Telemachus’ decision to bring him along symbolized his growth into a man and making important decisions for himself

Book 15

3\. What does the swineherd urge Odysseus to do?

He urges him to stay until Telemachus returns.

Book 15

4\. Explain how the swineherd came to live in Ithaka? What are the interesting details of his story that he tells Odysseus?

Eumaeus says that his father was lord of two cities on the island Syrie. A Phoenician crew landed one day on the island and one of the men seduced a Phoenician nurse from his father's household. She left with them and brought the king's child with her: that child was the swineherd. Eventually the ship landed in Ithaca and Laertes bought the infant.

Book 15

5\. Why is Telemachos in danger as he approaches Ithaka?

He is in danger because the suitors are threatening to ambush him.

Book 15

6\. How does Telemachos escape this danger?

He is guided by Athena; this protects him.

Book 16

1\. How does the swineherd greet Telemachos?

He greets him with much love and happiness.

Book 16

2\. What advice does the beggar offer Telemachos in fighting the suitors?

He advises that Telemachus really hurts them.

Book 16

3\. Where and on what errand does Telemachos send the swineherd?

He asks for the swineherd to go to the palace of Penelope and let her know that her son has safely returned (and tell no one except her).

Book 16

4\. Who does Odysseus spot outside of the swineherd's hut? What advice is he given?

He sees Athena outside the hut. He is told to reveal his true identity to Telemachus.

Book 16

5\. Why is Odysseus cross with Telemachos when the father is revealed to his son?

He is cross because at first Telemachus doesn't believe him.

Book 16

6\. What is the plan that father and son prepare for combating against the suitors?

The plan is for Telemachus to mingle with the suitors and for Odysseus to be disguised as a beggar. They will then seize the arms and slaughter the suitors.

Book 16

7\. What does Antinoos urge the other suitors to do?

Antinoos recommends putting Telemachus to death before he can call an assembly that would persecute them.

Book 16

8\. How does Amphinomos bring a sense of reason to Antinoos's plan?

Amphinomus brings a sense of reason by waiting to see if the gods are in favor of the murder.

Book 16

9\. Who is Medon and what does she confer to Penelope?

Medon revealed in Book IV that the suitors were plotting against Odysseus.

Book 17

1\. What news of Odysseus does Telemachos give his mother upon his return to town?

Telemachus tells Penelope of the news he learned in Sparta and Pylos-- omitting his confrontation earlier that day with his father.

Book 17

2\. What does Theoklymenos inform Penelope of?

Theoklymenos states that Odysseus is currently in Ithaca, as they speak.

Book 17

3\. How is Odysseus's meeting with Melanthios on his way to town a foreshadow; how is it symbolic as well?

It foreshadows the potential conflict that will arise and it is symbolic of how your class and honor governs the way you are treated; the way you live.

Book 17

4\. While waiting outside the manor Odysseus spots his old hunting hound, how is this also symbolic?

Seeing Argos (his dog) is also symbolic because they recognize each other, showing that love is timeless and more powerful than any other force.