Odyssey information

Question 1

Around when was the Odyssey composed?

Answer 1

c. 725-700BC

Question 2

What meter are the homeric epics in?

Answer 2

Dactylic hexameters

Question 3

When is the Odyssey set?

Answer 3

The Bronze Age Mycenaean Period c. 1600-1100BC

Question 4

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

Answer 4

The epics jump into the middle

Question 5

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

Answer 5

6th century BC

Question 6

Who recited Homer?

Answer 6

Rhapsodes

Question 7

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

Answer 7

It is his gift to the Phaeacians

Question 8

Common epithets of odysseus? (3)

Answer 8

• nimble-witted
• much-enduring
• resourceful

Question 9

Common epithets of Telemachus? (2)

Answer 9

• prudent
• thoughtful

Question 10

What are formulae?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Where are formulae often found?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

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

Answer 12

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

Question 13

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

Answer 13

1

Question 14

Examples of parallel scenes in the Odyssey?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Odysseus’ nostos

Question 16

How many lines of the Odyssey are direct speech?

Answer 16

8000 / 12000

Question 17

When does Homer use digression?

Answer 17

• story of the scar in book 19
• story of the bow in book 21

Question 18

What are the main aspects of a Homeric hero?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

How are Ithacans portrayed in the Odyssey?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

How are the Phaeacians presented in the Odyssey?

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

Name of Odysseus’ dog?

Answer 21

Argus

Question 22

Name of beggar Odysseus fights?

Answer 22

Irus

Question 23

Name of Odysseus’ dead crew member?

Answer 23

Elpenor

Question 24

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

Answer 24

Eurylochus

Question 25

How many suitors are there? How many from Ithaca?

Answer 25

108 total 12 from Ithaca

Question 26

Eurynome's role in household?

Answer 26

Penelope's housekeeper

Question 27

Eurycleia's role in household?

Answer 27

Odysseus' nurse

Question 28

Which suitor throws a stool at Odysseus?

Answer 28

Antinous

Question 29

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

Answer 29

Amphinomus

Question 30

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

Answer 30

Antinous

Question 31

Which suitor is first to be killed?

Answer 31

Antinous

Question 32

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

Answer 32

Eurymachus

Question 33

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

Answer 33

Eurymachus

Question 34

Order of recognitions in the Odyssey:

Answer 34

- 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

Question 35

How does xenia link throughout the Odyssey?

Answer 35

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