21ST LIT 11 - The Odyssey and Penelopiad

2ND SEM FINAL TERM

Homer

is the ancient Greek poet who is traditionally credited with composing The Iliad and The Odyssey, two of the greatest epic poems in Western literature

The Odyssey

it is a story that follows the hero or protagonist on his twenty-year journey home after the Trojan War. It explores themes of adventure and resilience as the here overcomes numerous challenges.

Odysseus

The protagonist and King of Ithaca. Known for his "metis" (cunning), he spends ten years battling monsters and divine wrath to return home to his family.

Telemachus

The son of Odysseus and Penelope. He begins the story as a passive youth but matures into a capable leader who helps his father reclaim the palace.

Penelope

The loyal wife of Odysseus.

Athena

The Goddess of Wisdom and Odysseus's divine patron. She frequently appears in disguise (often as "Mentor") to guide Telemachus and ensure Odysseus's safe return.

Calypso

A beautiful nymph who detains Odysseus on her island, Ogygia, for seven years. She offers him immortality if he stays, but his "heart's desire" remains his home.

Poseidon

The God of the Sea and the primary antagonist. He bears a grudge against Odysseus for blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus, and makes the hero's journey nearly impossible.

Circe

A powerful sorceress who turns Odysseus’s crew into swine. After Odysseus resists her magic, she becomes an ally, providing crucial advice for his journey through the Underworld.

Polyphemus

The one-eyed Cyclops and son of Poseidon. His encounter with Odysseus is a turning point that triggers Poseidon's curse.

Antinous

The most arrogant and aggressive of the suitors vying for Penelope’s hand. He serves as the primary human antagonist in Ithaca.

Eumaeus

The loyal swineherd who remains faithful to Odysseus's memory. He is the first person Odysseus visits (in disguise) upon returning to Ithaca.

Homecoming (and adventure)

This is the theme of The Odysseus

Margaret Atwood

She is the author of The Penelopiad

Sack of words

It is what Penelope describes people carrying bags full of things they said and said about them

Low art

It is what Penelope calls story telling which means that something not respected before. It shows that stories can be biased and everyone deserves to tell their own truth

Virtue and faithfulness

It is what symbolizes Penelope in The Odyssey

The afterlife

It is where Penelope is speaking from in the Penelopiad

A faithful wife to Odysseus

It is the role of Penelope in the Odyssey

Ideal and patient

It is the personality of Penelope in the Odyssey

Silent and limited

It is the voice of Penelope in the Odyssey

Symbol of virtue

It is the image of Penelope in the Odyssey

the narrator of her own story

It is the role of Penelope in the Penelopiad

Complex and critical

It is the personality of Penelope in the Penelopiad

strong and expressive

It is the voice of Penelope in the Penelopiad

Real woman with flaws

It is the image of Penelope in the Penelopiad

Clever but also a liar

It is what Penelope describes Odysseus in the Penelopiad

Truth and power in storytelling

These are the themes in The Penelopiad

To keep peace

It is the reason to why Penelope remained silent in the past