Melissa Biggs 2010 The Odyssey Epic Poem by Homer.

Melissa Biggs 2010Melissa Biggs 2010

The OdysseyThe Odyssey

Epic Poem by HomerEpic Poem by Homer


Part I: The Adventures of Part I: The Adventures of OdysseusOdysseusSummarySummary

• The OdysseyThe Odyssey opens with the opens with the Invocation to the MuseInvocation to the Muse. Homer . Homer speaks in 1speaks in 1stst person pov asking person pov asking Calliope (muse of epic poetry) to aid Calliope (muse of epic poetry) to aid him in the telling of the story.him in the telling of the story.

• Invocation sums up the action and Invocation sums up the action and acts as a “teaser” keeping the acts as a “teaser” keeping the audience in suspense.audience in suspense.


Part I: The Adventures of Part I: The Adventures of OdysseusOdysseus

Devices and Figurative LanguageDevices and Figurative Language

• ““man skilled in all ways of man skilled in all ways of contending” -contending” -epithetepithet for Odysseus for Odysseus (l.2)(l.2)

• ““the wanderer” – the wanderer” – epithetepithet for for Odysseus (l.3)Odysseus (l.3)


Part I: Sailing from TroyPart I: Sailing from TroySummarySummary

• Odysseus held captive by Calypso and Odysseus held captive by Calypso and Circe but longed for his wife, Circe but longed for his wife, Penelope, in his heart.Penelope, in his heart.

• Left Troy, landed on the shores of the Left Troy, landed on the shores of the Ciconians. Ravaged city and rested. Ciconians. Ravaged city and rested.

• Meanwhile, survivors gathered forces Meanwhile, survivors gathered forces and stormed the beach on horseback. and stormed the beach on horseback.

• Odysseus lost many men.Odysseus lost many men.


Part I: Sailing from TroyPart I: Sailing from TroyDevices and Figurative LanguageDevices and Figurative Language

• Change in Change in point of viewpoint of view from 1 from 1stst person person of Homer to 1of Homer to 1stst person of Odysseus. person of Odysseus.

• ““Laertes’ son” – Laertes’ son” – epithetepithet for Odysseus for Odysseus (l.18)(l.18)

• ““loveliest among goddesses” – loveliest among goddesses” – epithetepithet for Calypso (l.30)for Calypso (l.30)

• ““the enchantress” – the enchantress” – epithetepithet for Circe for Circe (l.32)(l.32)


Part I: Sailing from TroyPart I: Sailing from TroyDevices and Figurative Language Devices and Figurative Language

(cont.)(cont.)

• ““They came with dawn over that They came with dawn over that terrain like the leaves and blades of terrain like the leaves and blades of spring.” – spring.” – similesimile comparing leaves comparing leaves and grass to the soldiers of Ciconians and grass to the soldiers of Ciconians (ll.53-55)(ll.53-55)


Part I: The Lotus EatersPart I: The Lotus EatersSummarySummary

• Storm is sent by Zeus. Sail for nine days. Storm is sent by Zeus. Sail for nine days.

• Land on shore and send three men to Land on shore and send three men to check out everything. They don’t return.check out everything. They don’t return.

• Odysseus finds them among the Lotus Odysseus finds them among the Lotus Eaters, a peaceful people that eat lotus Eaters, a peaceful people that eat lotus and dream all day. and dream all day.

• He must drag them back to the ship and He must drag them back to the ship and tie them down. They have forgotten about tie them down. They have forgotten about home.home.


Part I: The Lotus EatersPart I: The Lotus EatersDevices and Figurative LanguageDevices and Figurative Language

• ““lord of the cloud” – lord of the cloud” – epithetepithet for Zeus for Zeus (l.70)(l.70)

• “…“…driving veils of squall moved down driving veils of squall moved down like night on land and sea.” – like night on land and sea.” – similesimile comparing the storm to night (ll.71-72)comparing the storm to night (ll.71-72)

• ““Dawn with ringlet shining…” – Dawn with ringlet shining…” – personificationpersonification of Sun (l.39) of Sun (l.39)

• ““honeyed plant” – honeyed plant” – epithetepithet for Lotus (l.97) for Lotus (l.97)• SymbolSymbol: Lotus is like addictive drugs: Lotus is like addictive drugs


Part I: The CyclopsPart I: The CyclopsSummarySummary

• Odysseus and 12 men go to the cave Odysseus and 12 men go to the cave because of Odysseus’ curiosity. because of Odysseus’ curiosity.

• Polyphemus traps them in the cave and eats Polyphemus traps them in the cave and eats 2 of his men. Odysseus prays to Athena; 2 of his men. Odysseus prays to Athena; finds an olive tree and makes it into a spear. finds an olive tree and makes it into a spear.

• Upon his return, Odysseus gives him wine. Upon his return, Odysseus gives him wine. • Says name is “Nobody.” They stab out his Says name is “Nobody.” They stab out his

eye. Other Cyclopes do not help. Polyphemus eye. Other Cyclopes do not help. Polyphemus screams,“Nobody’s hurt me!” screams,“Nobody’s hurt me!”


Part I: The CyclopsPart I: The CyclopsSummary (cont.)Summary (cont.)

• Opens the cave, tries to capture men escaping.Opens the cave, tries to capture men escaping.

• Odysseus has tied men beneath sheep. He Odysseus has tied men beneath sheep. He rides on the belly of the prize ram.rides on the belly of the prize ram.

• Polyphemus talks to ram and threatens Polyphemus talks to ram and threatens Odysseus’ life.Odysseus’ life.

• Sailing away, Odysseus yells back his name. Sailing away, Odysseus yells back his name. Telemus has foretold Polyphemus losing his Telemus has foretold Polyphemus losing his eye.eye.

• Prays to Poseidon for punishment.Prays to Poseidon for punishment.


Part I: The CyclopsPart I: The CyclopsDevices and Figurative LanguageDevices and Figurative Language

• ““a cavern yawning” – a cavern yawning” – personificationpersonification (ll.122-123) (ll.122-123)• ““he seemed rather a shaggy mountain” – he seemed rather a shaggy mountain” –

metaphormetaphor (ll. 132-133) (ll. 132-133)• ““sweet scent hovered like a fume” – sweet scent hovered like a fume” – simile simile

comparing the smell to a fume (l.150)comparing the smell to a fume (l.150)• ““cave man” – cave man” – epithetepithet for Polyphemus (l.172) for Polyphemus (l.172)• ““who cast your lives like dice” – who cast your lives like dice” – similesimile comparing comparing

the men to men of chance (ll. 199-200)the men to men of chance (ll. 199-200)• Dramatic IronyDramatic Irony – when Odysseus lies about the – when Odysseus lies about the

ship being crashed on the rocksship being crashed on the rocks


Part I: The CyclopsPart I: The CyclopsDevices and Figurative Language Devices and Figurative Language

(cont.)(cont.)• ““caught two in his hands like squirming puppies”- caught two in his hands like squirming puppies”-

similesimile comparing men being eaten to puppies comparing men being eaten to puppies (l.234)(l.234)

• ““gaping and crunching like a mountain lion” – gaping and crunching like a mountain lion” – simile simile comparing Polyphemus to a mountain lion (l.237)comparing Polyphemus to a mountain lion (l.237)

• ““lay down like a mast among his sheep” – lay down like a mast among his sheep” – similesimile comparing Polyphemus to a mast (l.243)comparing Polyphemus to a mast (l.243)

• ““young Dawn with fingertips of rose” – young Dawn with fingertips of rose” – epithetepithet for for Dawn Dawn

• ““reset the stone as one would cap a quiver” – reset the stone as one would cap a quiver” – similesimile comparing stone to a quiver cap (l.260)comparing stone to a quiver cap (l.260)

• SymbolismSymbolism in olive tree – Athena’s symbols in olive tree – Athena’s symbols



(cont.)(cont.)• ““like a mast, a lugger of twenty oars” – like a mast, a lugger of twenty oars” – simile simile

comparing the spear to a mast (l.269)comparing the spear to a mast (l.269)• ““fire’s heart” – fire’s heart” – metaphormetaphor (l.276) (l.276)• Situational IronySituational Irony – rams come in for the night – rams come in for the night• Dramatic IronyDramatic Irony – Lies about his name – Lies about his name• Situational IronySituational Irony – eating him last is not a gift – eating him last is not a gift• “…“…and leaned on it as a shipwright…” and leaned on it as a shipwright…” epic simileepic simile

comparing Odysseus to a shipwright (ll.331-337)comparing Odysseus to a shipwright (ll.331-337)• ““red-hot… seared… hissed broiling and roots red-hot… seared… hissed broiling and roots

popped” – popped” – imageryimagery (ll.338-340) (ll.338-340)• ““In a smithy…just as that eyeball hissed…” In a smithy…just as that eyeball hissed…” epic epic

similesimile comparing Odysseus to a blacksmith (ll.341- comparing Odysseus to a blacksmith (ll.341-344)344)



(cont.)(cont.)• ““rock roared” – rock roared” – personificationpersonification (l.345) (l.345)• ““like a charm” – like a charm” – similesimile comparing the lie to a charm (l.365) comparing the lie to a charm (l.365)• ““death sat there huge” – death sat there huge” – personificationpersonification (l.372) (l.372)• ““wooliest ram, choicest of the flock” – wooliest ram, choicest of the flock” – symbolismsymbolism, Odysseus , Odysseus

is the leader of the pack (l.383)is the leader of the pack (l.383)• ““Dawn spread out her fingertips of rose” – Dawn spread out her fingertips of rose” – epithetepithet for Dawn for Dawn

(l.388)(l.388)• Dramatic IronyDramatic Irony – Polyphemus does not know that Odysseus – Polyphemus does not know that Odysseus

is under the ram’s bellyis under the ram’s belly• Character flawCharacter flaw – Boastful, Pride=HUBRIS – Boastful, Pride=HUBRIS• ““Laertes’ son” “raider of cities” – Laertes’ son” “raider of cities” – epithetsepithets for Odysseus for Odysseus

(ll.459-460)(ll.459-460)



(cont.)(cont.)• Situational IronySituational Irony – expected someone large and – expected someone large and

fierce to take eye, not twiggy and smallfierce to take eye, not twiggy and small• Verbal IronyVerbal Irony – Polyphemus lies and uses reverse – Polyphemus lies and uses reverse

psychology to tempt Odysseuspsychology to tempt Odysseus• ““blue girdler of islands” – blue girdler of islands” – epithetepithet for Poseidon for Poseidon

(l.484)(l.484)• ““god of earthquake” – god of earthquake” – epithetepithet for Poseidon for Poseidon

(l.481)(l.481)• ForeshadowingForeshadowing – lose companions, strange sail – lose companions, strange sail• ““Young Dawn with fingertips of rose” – Young Dawn with fingertips of rose” – epithet epithet

for Dawn (l.519)for Dawn (l.519)


Part I: The Land of the DeadPart I: The Land of the DeadSummarySummary

• Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag of winds. Aeolus gives Odysseus a bag of winds. Blows them back to Ithaca.Blows them back to Ithaca.

• Odysseus tells men not to open; sleeps.Odysseus tells men not to open; sleeps.

• Men get curious and greedy, open bag Men get curious and greedy, open bag and blown away from Ithaca.and blown away from Ithaca.

• Land of Laestrygonians – giant cannibals Land of Laestrygonians – giant cannibals eat several men. Destroy all but 1 ship.eat several men. Destroy all but 1 ship.


Part I: The Land of the DeadPart I: The Land of the DeadSummary (cont.)Summary (cont.)

• Island of Circe – men turned to pigs, Island of Circe – men turned to pigs, spends a year with her.spends a year with her.

• Sails to the Land of the Dead to meet Sails to the Land of the Dead to meet with Tieresias (blind prophet). Sees with Tieresias (blind prophet). Sees Elpenor (man who died on Circe’s Elpenor (man who died on Circe’s island) and Anticleia (mother island) and Anticleia (mother committed suicide). committed suicide).

• Teiresias gives him advice about the Teiresias gives him advice about the future, warns against Helios’ cattle.future, warns against Helios’ cattle.


Part I: The Land of the DeadPart I: The Land of the DeadDevices and Figurative LanguageDevices and Figurative Language

• ““singing nymph with sunbright hair” singing nymph with sunbright hair” – – epithetepithet for Circe (l.533) for Circe (l.533)

• ““son of great Laertes” “master son of great Laertes” “master mariner and soldier” – mariner and soldier” – epithetepithet for for Odysseus (l.587)Odysseus (l.587)

• ““prince of Thebes” – prince of Thebes” – epithetepithet for for Teiresias (l.620)Teiresias (l.620)


Part I: The Land of the DeadPart I: The Land of the DeadDevices and Figurative Language cont.Devices and Figurative Language cont.

• ““son of Laertes and the gods of old” son of Laertes and the gods of old” “master of landways and seaways” – “master of landways and seaways” – epithetepithet for Odysseus (l. 623) for Odysseus (l. 623)

• ““prince of those with the gift of prince of those with the gift of speech” – epithet for Teiresias (l.631)speech” – epithet for Teiresias (l.631)

• ““god who thunders on land” – epithet god who thunders on land” – epithet for Poseidon (l.634)for Poseidon (l.634)


Pt. I: The SirensPt. I: The SirensSummarySummary

• Circe gives advice about the Sirens. Circe gives advice about the Sirens.

• Odysseus plans to hear their song. Odysseus plans to hear their song. Puts beeswax in mens’ ears and they Puts beeswax in mens’ ears and they bind him to the mast.bind him to the mast.

• Odysseus is tempted and tries to get Odysseus is tempted and tries to get loose; sail past safely.loose; sail past safely.


Pt. I: The SirensPt. I: The SirensDevices and Figurative LanguageDevices and Figurative Language

• ““singing nymph with sunbright hair” – singing nymph with sunbright hair” – epithet epithet for Circe (l.682)for Circe (l.682)

• ““tight as a splint” – tight as a splint” – similesimile comparing comparing Odysseus as a splint (l. 695)Odysseus as a splint (l. 695)

• ““lord of high noon” – lord of high noon” – epithetepithet for Helios for Helios (l.711)(l.711)

• SymbolismSymbolism – Sirens represent – Sirens represent temptationtemptation


Pt. I: Scylla and CharybdisPt. I: Scylla and CharybdisSummarySummary

• Odysseus’ men fear the sounds of Odysseus’ men fear the sounds of Charybdis. He convinces them to Charybdis. He convinces them to row on.row on.

• ““Haven’t we seen fear before?”Haven’t we seen fear before?”

• They make it past Charybdis, but They make it past Charybdis, but Scylla eats 6 of his best men.Scylla eats 6 of his best men.


Pt. I: Scylla and CharybdisPt. I: Scylla and CharybdisDevices and Figurative LanguageDevices and Figurative Language

• Dramatic IronyDramatic Irony – we know that Odysseus – we know that Odysseus will make a sacrifice of six menwill make a sacrifice of six men

• SymbolismSymbolism – all or nothing – sacrifice – all or nothing – sacrifice• ““monster of the gray rock” – monster of the gray rock” – epithetepithet for for

Scylla (l.791)Scylla (l.791)• ““dire gorge of the salt sea-tide” – dire gorge of the salt sea-tide” – epithetepithet

for Charybdis (l. 798)for Charybdis (l. 798)• ““fell like rain” – fell like rain” – similesimile comparing the sea comparing the sea

to rain (l.802)to rain (l.802)


Pt. I: Scylla and CharybdisPt. I: Scylla and CharybdisDevices and Figurative Language Devices and Figurative Language

(cont.)(cont.)

• ““rock bellowing” – rock bellowing” – personificationpersonification (l.805)(l.805)

• Situational IronySituational Irony – six of his best men – six of his best men are eatenare eaten

• ““A man surfcasting… so these were A man surfcasting… so these were borne aloft.” – borne aloft.” – epic simileepic simile comparing comparing Scylla to a fisherman catching fish (ll. Scylla to a fisherman catching fish (ll. 815-820)815-820)


Pt. I: The Cattle of the Sun Pt. I: The Cattle of the Sun GodGod

SummarySummary• Odysseus and men land of island of Odysseus and men land of island of

Thrinacia. Thrinacia. • Odysseus reminds men that they have Odysseus reminds men that they have

enough food. After a long stay, they run enough food. After a long stay, they run out. Odysseus goes to pray.out. Odysseus goes to pray.

• Eurylochus gives speech encouraging Eurylochus gives speech encouraging them to eat cattle – die being punished by them to eat cattle – die being punished by gods, not by starving.gods, not by starving.

• They eat the cattle; Helios asks Zeus to They eat the cattle; Helios asks Zeus to avenge him. Zeus agrees.avenge him. Zeus agrees.



Summary (cont.)Summary (cont.)• Zeus sends a storm and kills all men, Zeus sends a storm and kills all men,

destroys his ship.destroys his ship.

• Odysseus floats back to Charybdis, Odysseus floats back to Charybdis, survives by holding to a branch off a survives by holding to a branch off a cliff.cliff.

• Escapes Scylla also.Escapes Scylla also.

• Floats to Calypso’s island and is Floats to Calypso’s island and is captive for seven years.captive for seven years.



Devices and Figurative LanguageDevices and Figurative Language• ““Dawn with fingertips of rose” – Dawn with fingertips of rose” – epithetepithet (l.833) (l.833)• ““Lord of High Noon” – Lord of High Noon” – epithetepithet for Helios (l.873) for Helios (l.873)• ““Overlord of Noon” – Overlord of Noon” – epithet epithet for Helios (l.904)for Helios (l.904)• ““Son of Cronus” – Son of Cronus” – epithetepithet for Zeus (l.931) for Zeus (l.931)• ““whining from the west” – whining from the west” – personificationpersonification (l.941) (l.941)• ““like a diver” – like a diver” – similesimile comparing the soul of a comparing the soul of a

dead man to a diver (l. 947)dead man to a diver (l. 947)• ““bobbing awhile like petrels on the waves” – bobbing awhile like petrels on the waves” –

similesimile comparing dead bodies to birds (ll. 952- comparing dead bodies to birds (ll. 952-953)953)


Pt. I: The Cattle of the Sun GodPt. I: The Cattle of the Sun GodDevices and Figurative Language Devices and Figurative Language

(cont.)(cont.)• ““whirlpool drank the tide” – personification whirlpool drank the tide” – personification

(l.969)(l.969)• ““catching on like a bat under a bough” – catching on like a bat under a bough” –

simile comparing Odysseus to a bat (l. simile comparing Odysseus to a bat (l. 971)971)

• ““And, ah!... goes home to supper.” – epic And, ah!... goes home to supper.” – epic simile comparing Odysseus to a merchant simile comparing Odysseus to a merchant going home (ll.978-982)going home (ll.978-982)

• ““Father of gods and men” – epithet for Father of gods and men” – epithet for Zeus (l.987)Zeus (l.987)


Pt. II: Twenty Years GonePt. II: Twenty Years GoneSummarySummary

• Odysseus finishes his story to Alcinous, Odysseus finishes his story to Alcinous, King of Phaecians.King of Phaecians.

• Sails home after 10 years. Sails home after 10 years. • Suitors have been after his wife, land, and Suitors have been after his wife, land, and

son (planning murder). Meanwhile, son (planning murder). Meanwhile, Telemachus searches for his father.Telemachus searches for his father.

• Athena disguises him as a beggar.Athena disguises him as a beggar.• Eumaues (swineherd) does not recognize Eumaues (swineherd) does not recognize

him. Telemachus does with disguise him. Telemachus does with disguise removed.removed.

• Plan to fight suitors – do not tell women.Plan to fight suitors – do not tell women.


Pt. II: Twenty Years GonePt. II: Twenty Years GoneDevices and Figurative LanguageDevices and Figurative Language

• ““Son of Laertes and the gods of old” – Son of Laertes and the gods of old” – epithetepithet for for Odysseus (l.1009)Odysseus (l.1009)

• ““master of landways and seaways” – master of landways and seaways” – epithetepithet for for Odysseus (l.1010)Odysseus (l.1010)

• ““here you stand like one of the immortals” – here you stand like one of the immortals” – similesimile comparing Odysseus to a god (l.1044) comparing Odysseus to a god (l.1044)

• ““hope of soldiers” – hope of soldiers” – epithetepithet for Athena (l.1053) for Athena (l.1053)• ““cries burst from both as keen… as those” – cries burst from both as keen… as those” – epic epic

similesimile comparing tears of Odysseus and comparing tears of Odysseus and Telemachus to a hawk with babies taken (ll.1063-Telemachus to a hawk with babies taken (ll.1063-1065)1065)


Pt. II: ArgusPt. II: ArgusSummarySummary

• Argus is Odysseus’ dog. He has been Argus is Odysseus’ dog. He has been disrespected and treated badly. Sits disrespected and treated badly. Sits in a pile of dung. in a pile of dung.

• When he hears Odysseus’ voice, When he hears Odysseus’ voice, recognizes him immediately. recognizes him immediately.

• Wags tail, then dies. Odysseus sheds Wags tail, then dies. Odysseus sheds a tear.a tear.

• Waited for him to return – loyalty.Waited for him to return – loyalty.


Pt. II: ArgusPt. II: ArgusDevices and Figurative Language Devices and Figurative Language

• Symbolism Symbolism – treated like dung, lays – treated like dung, lays in dungin dung

• Dramatic IronyDramatic Irony – we know Argus – we know Argus recognizes Odysseusrecognizes Odysseus

• ThemeTheme – Loyalty to master – Loyalty to master

• ThemeTheme – Code of Hospitality – Code of Hospitality


Pt. II: The SuitorsPt. II: The SuitorsSummarySummary

• Odysseus enters as the beggar. Odysseus enters as the beggar.

• Antinous, the most arrogant, yells at Antinous, the most arrogant, yells at him and throws a stool. Will not share.him and throws a stool. Will not share.

• Telemachus takes down the weapons.Telemachus takes down the weapons.

• Eurynome comes and takes Odysseus Eurynome comes and takes Odysseus to Penelope’s room.to Penelope’s room.


Pt. II: The SuitorsPt. II: The SuitorsDevices and Figurative LanguageDevices and Figurative Language

• Dramatic IronyDramatic Irony – Odysseus is home and – Odysseus is home and not a beggar.not a beggar.

• Situational IronySituational Irony – Antinous acts as if he – Antinous acts as if he owns the homeowns the home

• ““like solid rock” – like solid rock” – similesimile comparing comparing Odysseus’ shoulder to a rock (l.1230)Odysseus’ shoulder to a rock (l.1230)

• ““looking like strangers” – looking like strangers” – similesimile comparing comparing the beggar to a stranger (l.1257)the beggar to a stranger (l.1257)

• ““heart felt the blow” – heart felt the blow” – metaphormetaphor describing how Telemachus is affected by describing how Telemachus is affected by what he saw (l.1262)what he saw (l.1262)


Pt. II: PenelopePt. II: PenelopeSummarySummary

• The beggar comes to Penelope’s The beggar comes to Penelope’s room to talk and tells her that he has room to talk and tells her that he has seen her husband.seen her husband.

• His story tests her faithfulness and His story tests her faithfulness and dedication.dedication.

• She begins the death shroud test. She begins the death shroud test. They find out about it.They find out about it.


Pt. II: Odysseus’ RevengePt. II: Odysseus’ RevengeSummarySummary

• Penelope says she’ll marry any man that can Penelope says she’ll marry any man that can string Odysseus’ bow. Several try and fail. string Odysseus’ bow. Several try and fail.

• Beggar wants a turn. On first try, strings the Beggar wants a turn. On first try, strings the bow, shoots arrow through 12 axe handles. bow, shoots arrow through 12 axe handles.

• 22ndnd shot hits Antinous in throat and kills him; shot hits Antinous in throat and kills him; suitors believe it an accident.Reveals himself suitors believe it an accident.Reveals himself – Promises death to all.– Promises death to all.

• Eurymachus attempts a bribe. Eurymachus attempts a bribe. • All suitors killed with help from Eumaeus, All suitors killed with help from Eumaeus,

Philoetius, Telemachus and Athena.Philoetius, Telemachus and Athena.


Pt. II: Penelope (Reunited)Pt. II: Penelope (Reunited)SummarySummary

• Penelope is unsure about Odysseus. Penelope is unsure about Odysseus. Cautious, doesn’t want to be tricked.Cautious, doesn’t want to be tricked.

• Tests him. Asks for the bed to be Tests him. Asks for the bed to be moved to the hallway.moved to the hallway.

• Odysseus upset. He made the bed Odysseus upset. He made the bed from a tree rooted to the spot. from a tree rooted to the spot. Proves his identity.Proves his identity.

• Love each other… happily ever after.Love each other… happily ever after.

Melissa Biggs 2010 The Odyssey Epic Poem by Homer.

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Transcript of Melissa Biggs 2010 The Odyssey Epic Poem by Homer.