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Classical Civilisation > Odyssey information > Flashcards

Odyssey information Flashcards

1
Q

Around when was the Odyssey composed?

A

c. 725-700BC

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2
Q

What meter are the homeric epics in?

A

Dactylic hexameters

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3
Q

When is the Odyssey set?

A

The Bronze Age Mycenaean Period c. 1600-1100BC

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4
Q

Why can we assume listeners were already familiar with the stories of the Trojan War?

A

The epics jump into the middle

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5
Q

When does the evidence suggest the text of the Odyssey was standardised?

A

6th century BC

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6
Q

Who recited Homer?

A

Rhapsodes

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7
Q

How does Odysseus’ tale in 9-12 link to xenia?

A

It is his gift to the Phaeacians

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8
Q

Common epithets of odysseus? (3)

A
  • nimble-witted
  • much-enduring
  • resourceful
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9
Q

Common epithets of Telemachus? (2)

A
  • prudent
  • thoughtful
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10
Q

What are formulae?

A

Repeated phrases slotted into the narrative e.g ‘rosy-fingered dawn’

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11
Q

Where are formulae often found?

A

in ‘type-scenes’ like the scenes of retiring for the night or Penelope’s veil

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12
Q

What did M. Parry suggest as an explanation for the use of repetitions?

A

Helped with oral composition because they already fit the metre and would help mark the plot for those reciting it

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13
Q

Do most scholars believe the Odyssey was composed by one or many poets?

A

1

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14
Q

Examples of parallel scenes in the Odyssey?

A
  • scenes showing xenia often follow a similar pattern
  • Athene beautifying Odysseus
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15
Q

What does repetition of smoke, fires and hearths keep a linked thread to?

A

Odysseus’ nostos

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16
Q

How many lines of the Odyssey are direct speech?

A

8000 / 12000

17
Q

When does Homer use digression?

A
  • story of the scar in book 19
  • story of the bow in book 21
18
Q

What are the main aspects of a Homeric hero?

A
  • noble birth
  • relationships with immortals
  • kleos
  • physical strength and beauty
  • excellence in war
  • excellence with words
  • resourcefulness
  • time
  • nostos
19
Q

How are Ithacans portrayed in the Odyssey?

A
  • a “rough land” which “nurtures fine men”
  • pious
  • less luxurious palace than other places
  • hold assemblies to discuss important matters
20
Q

How are the Phaeacians presented in the Odyssey?

A
  • idyllic and refined life
  • sailors
  • harmonious family life of royals
  • though they’re sailors they don’t have contact with other tribes - Odysseus is warned to keep out of view because they don’t like strangers
  • Alcinous has to be reminded of the way to treat a suppliant, and Odysseus’ gifts are paid through taxpayer money
21
Q

Name of Odysseus’ dog?

A

Argus

22
Q

Name of beggar Odysseus fights?

A

Irus

23
Q

Name of Odysseus’ dead crew member?

A

Elpenor

24
Q

Name of second-in-command on Odysseus’ ship?

A

Eurylochus

25
Q

How many suitors are there? How many from Ithaca?

A

108 total
12 from Ithaca

26
Q

Eurynome’s role in household?

A

Penelope’s housekeeper

27
Q

Eurycleia’s role in household?

A

Odysseus’ nurse

28
Q

Which suitor throws a stool at Odysseus?

A

Antinous

29
Q

What suitor is nicer than the others, and nearly saves himself?

A

Amphinomus

30
Q

Which suitor does Penelope call out as sacrilegious for plotting against someone who saved his father’s life?

A

Antinous

31
Q

Which suitor is first to be killed?

A

Antinous

32
Q

Which suitor tries to talk himself out of danger by offering to replace Odysseus’ gold and cattle?

A

Eurymachus

33
Q

Which suitor does Penelope chastise by saying he never had a reputation to lose after he can’t string the bow?

A

Eurymachus

34
Q

Order of recognitions in the Odyssey:

A
  • Odysseus recognises Athene book 13
  • Telemachus recognises Odysseus b16
  • Argus recognises Odysseus
  • Eurycleia recognises Odysseus
  • Eumaeus + Philoetius are told of Odysseus’ identity
  • suitors don’t have a chance to fully recognise Odysseus
  • Penelope recognises Odysseus
35
Q

How does xenia link throughout the Odyssey?

A

it is what started the Trojan war and most encounters in the epic cetnre on this - the suitors are not repaying their host therefore failing xenia

Classical Civilisation (15 decks)

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