Honors English 1- The Odyssey

Definitions and terms

Epic

An epic is a long, formal narrative poem that follows a heroic figure whose adventures reflect the values of a nation and explore universal themes like good and evil, life and death, and redemption.

Epic Hero

An epic hero is a larger‑than‑life, strong, and clever figure who faces dangerous adventures, gets help from or challenges the gods, and represents their culture’s values.

Epic Plot

A long journey filled with complications like strange creatures, big events, divine intervention, and dangerous weather.

Epic Setting

It includes fantastic or exotic lands and often involves more than one nation.

Epic Themes

They express universal themes like courage, homecoming, loyalty, beauty, national fate, and the struggle between life and death.

Alliteration

It is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Note the repetition of

the d sound in these lines.

Consonance

It is the repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words to create rhythm or emphasis.

Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds with non-rhyming words

Epic Simile

It (also called a Homeric simile) is a long, elaborate comparison that often continues for a number of lines.

Epithet

It is a brief phrase that points out traits associated with a particular person or thing. In the Odyssey, Odysseus is often called “the master strategist.”

Allusion

It is an indirect reference to a famous person, place, event, or literary work. The title of Maya Angelou’s autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is an allusion to the poem “Sympathy” by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Archetypal Character

These are archetypes—recurring characters and situations found across cultures and time—such as the sea monster, buried treasure, wicked temptress, suitors’ contest, epic hero, and loyal servant.

Hubris

Excessive pride or arrogance

Guile

Sly or cunning intelligence

Sea Monster Archetype

It symbolizes the terrifying unknown of nature and forces the hero to face fear and danger, becoming a major test of courage in the journey.

Buried Treasure archetype

It symbolizes a hidden reward earned through challenge and reveals whether a character is driven by greed or growth.

Wicked Temptress Archetype

It is a character who tries to distract or trick the hero by using charm. She represents a danger that can pull the hero off their path if they aren’t careful.

Suitor’s contest

It’s a challenge that reveals who truly deserves someone’s loyalty or partnership, showing that real strength comes from character and skill rather than bragging.

Loyal servant archetype

It is a character who stays devoted to their leader or hero, offering steady support no matter the challenge. They show how loyalty, trust, and dedication can help the hero succeed.