odyssey thinking questions Flashcards
(16 cards)
Who is the seer Odyssus is instructed to seek a prophecy from?
Tiresias
Who delivers this directive, and how does it shift Odysseus’s journey?
Athena delivered this directive and It gives odysseus hope
What is the symbolic power of the bow and the moment of revenge against the suitors.
Odysseus’s bow is a unique weapon that only he can string and use—a symbol of his true identity and unmatched strength. When he strings it effortlessly after all the suitors fail, it’s a dramatic moment of revelation
which character calls upon Poseidon to curse Odysseus, and what leads to that moment.
Polyphemus calls upon Poseidon to curse Odysseus because Odysseus stabbed his eye out
How does Odysseus gather info before acting out when he is disguised as a beggar?
he shows cunning and patience by gathering information carefully before taking action. This is a crucial part of his strategy to reclaim his home and throne without alerting the suitors prematurely
What was Odysseus’ crew’s characteristics, especially after visiting King Aeolus’ island.
.Odysseus’ crew initially displayed characteristics of loyalty, strength, and courage, qualities that aided them in overcoming numerous challenges.However, after visiting Aeolus’ island, their weakness and lack of self-control become more apparent
What was the crew’s behavior on the island of Thrinakia.
Odysseus’s crew disobeyed his orders and ate the sacred cattle of the Sun god, Helios
How does Eurycleia discover Odysseus’ identity, and why does it matter?
Eurycleia discovered Odysseus’ identity when she saw his scar while washing his feet. This matters because Odysseus’ scar was only known by people who were close to him.
How does Penelope test Odysseus?
Penelope tests Odysseus by telling Eurycleia to move their bridal bed. This bed was built around an olive tree, meaning that it was impossible to move. Only Penelope and Odysseus knew this, and when Odysseus told her that it was built around an olive tree and impossible to move, she knew that it was Odysseus.
What was all the divine intervention of Athena throughout the book, in the battle with the suitors, and at the final battle scene.
offering guidance, providing strength, and even directly intervening in the fight, often disguised as Mentor; she also intervenes to establish peace at the end, ultimately ensuring Odysseus’s return and victory
who gives Odysseus protection before meeting Circe, and what it allows him to do.
This protection is given by Hermes, who gives him magical moly. This herb allows Odysseus to withstand Circe’s potion and spells, allowing him to confront her and demand the release of his men.
What is the Trojan War?
caused by Paris, son of the Trojan king, and Helen, wife of the Greek king Menelaus, when they went off together to Troy. To get her back, Menelaus sought help from his brother Agamemnon, who assembled a Greek army to defeat Troy. It was a ten-year siege that ends with the Trojans’ defeat through the clever use of a wooden horse
What is Oral Storytelling?
`Sharing stories and knowledge through speech and passed down through generations.
What is Xenia? and what is an example?
the greek word for hospitality. and example is letting someone stay at your house after their long journey.
What is Kleos? and what is an example?
kleos is the greek word for glory. and example is Killing ten men by yourself and coming home victorious.
What is Nostos? and what is an example?
the greek word for homecoming. and example is that Odysseus has “nostos” for seeing his family again.
