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Vocab Flashcards

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1
Q

What cultural resources did heroic stories provide?

A

Entertainment, historical continuity, and a method of ethical thought

Epic stories were essential for social cohesion and collective emotional experiences during performances.

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2
Q

How did the Romans use monsters from the Odyssey?

A

They painted them on their walls as a relic of a terrifying yet distant past

This practice transformed the monsters into harmless decorations.

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3
Q

What is the primary theme of the Iliad according to Guy Davenport?

A

A poem about force

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4
Q

What distinguishes the theme of the Odyssey from the Iliad?

A

The triumph of the mind over force

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5
Q

How does Homer differentiate character speech from poetic narrative?

A

By using a totally different style and vocabulary in character’s speech

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6
Q

What range of characters are exhibited in the Odyssey?

A
  • Princes and beggars
  • Fond parents and cherished offspring
  • Giants and a witch
  • A nurse and foster-children
  • A mistress and maids
  • Brutal and sly villains
  • Faithful retainers
  • Temperamental or eccentric old gentlemen
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7
Q

What sentiment does the Odyssey reflect regarding the Trojan War?

A

Sorrow and regret

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8
Q

How does C.M. Bowra characterize the stories in the Odyssey?

A

Less heroic than the Iliad and ultimately fairy-tales or folk-tales

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9
Q

What tension is created in the plot of the Odyssey?

A

Between two types of heroism: dashing Iliadic fighters and wily opponents using guile

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10
Q

What is the ancient Greek idea regarding the invocation of the Muse?

A

The singer needed inspiration from one of the gods to sing

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11
Q

What is the role of the Muses in relation to the singer?

A

They are seen as daughters of Zeus and the goddess Memory, providing inspiration

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12
Q

What does Griffin say about justice in the Odyssey?

A

Justice is both done and seen to be done

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13
Q

What distinguishes oral poetry as described by Griffin?

A

The singer must be aware of the audience’s response and may sing different versions on different occasions

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14
Q

What impact did the Odyssey have on literature according to E.V. Rieu?

A

It is the true ancestor of a long line of novels that have followed it

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15
Q

What evidence suggests Homer may have been literate?

A

Writing became increasingly accessible in Greece from about 700 BC, around the same time the Odyssey was dated

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16
Q

What conclusion does Richard Jenkyns reach about Homeric formulae?

A

Some at least must be older than the Iliad and the Odyssey and have been transmitted orally

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17
Q

What is the effect of epithets in the Odyssey according to E.V. Rieu?

A

They remind us of the permanent, eternal qualities of people and objects

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18
Q

What role do figures in the Agamemnon story play in the Odyssey?

A

They serve as role models for the major figures in the epic

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19
Q
A
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20
Q

What is the central theme of ‘The Odyssey’ according to Peter Jones?

A

The household (oikos) is the center of its world

This emphasizes the importance of home and family over warfare.

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21
Q

How does Kahane describe the motivation behind the actions in ‘The Odyssey’?

A

Motivated by the idea of a return to the ‘inner space’ and reassertion of identity

This includes ties with household members and control in the palace.

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22
Q

Who represents ‘order’ in the face of chaos in the palace?

A

Eumaeus

His loyalty and care for Odysseus’ estate highlight the contrast between order and chaos.

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23
Q

What does John Halverson assert is the central issue of ‘The Odyssey’?

A

The integrity of the oikos (household)

This theme is focused more sharply than Odysseus’ homecoming.

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24
Q

What does Halverson say about Odysseus’ revenge?

A

It reflects the supreme value placed on the household

Even minor offenses against the oikos are considered high crimes.

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25
Who are described as 'stalwart paradigms of order' in the palace?
Eumaeus and Eurycleia ## Footnote They represent the former order of the palace that will be restored.
26
What is the significance of Odysseus' family relations according to Griffin?
Odysseus values family over glory ## Footnote His affection for Penelope and Telemachus highlights this.
27
What is notable about the household in Pylos compared to Ithaca?
The household in Pylos is in fine order, with no unwanted guests ## Footnote This contrasts sharply with the disorder in Ithaca.
28
What does Antinous' myth about the centaurs and Lapiths foreshadow?
The need to subdue unruly guests at a wedding ## Footnote This indirectly refers to the suitors pursuing Odysseus' wife.
29
Who are included in the scene of recognition when Odysseus returns?
His wife, son, father, Eumaeus, Philoetius, Eurycleia, and a dog ## Footnote This highlights a society welcoming Odysseus home across all ranks.
30
What does Penelope recognize in the beggar's story during book 19?
She recognizes the real Odysseus but does not recognize him as her husband ## Footnote This illustrates her emotional and cognitive dissonance.
31
What does the orchard represent in the context of Odysseus' identity?
It proves to Laertes that Odysseus is his son and symbolizes inheritance ## Footnote This connects familial legacy with identity.
32
What motif does Athene introduce in Book 1?
Disguised identity followed by significant revelation ## Footnote Athene's role sets the stage for Odysseus' own deceptions.
33
What does James Morrison say about revealing one's name?
There are costs associated with revealing your name ## Footnote Concealing it might offer benefits.
34
What does Peter Jones highlight about Odysseus' storytelling?
He tells a series of false tales to conceal his identity ## Footnote This showcases his talent for blending fact and fiction.
35
What does Andrew Parks say about Odysseus' homecoming?
He must endure sufferings and hardships through deception ## Footnote This adds complexity to his return to Ithaca.
36
What is significant about Argus recognizing Odysseus?
It shows Odysseus concealing his emotions despite feeling pity ## Footnote This is crucial for maintaining his disguise.
37
What are the three common ways of summing up Odysseus?
* Loyal hero-husband who just wants to return home * Eternal wanderer with a passion for new experiences * Anti-hero, mean and selfish, using deceit to achieve immoral ends ## Footnote These perspectives highlight the complexity of Odysseus' character.
38
How is Odysseus characterized as an anti-hero?
He is a mean, selfish time-server who employs disguise and deceit to gain disreputable ends. ## Footnote This view reflects a common perspective among classical Greeks and Romans.
39
What does 'metis' signify in relation to Odysseus?
'Metis' denotes cunning and intelligence, emphasizing his role as a deceiver. ## Footnote Odysseus is often referred to as 'polumetis', meaning resourceful.
40
What capacity does Odysseus have according to W.A. Camps?
He has the capacity to inspire affection and regard as husband, man, and king.
41
What is significant about the books 9-12 of the Odyssey?
They are told by Odysseus himself, providing excitement as personal reminiscence and significance as heroic self-revelation.
42
What is unique about the relationship between Odysseus and Athene?
It depicts a closeness between god and mortal that is unique in Homer.
43
Which characteristics do Odysseus, Athene, and Telemachus share?
* Restraint * Endurance * Deception * Disguise
44
What must Odysseus do at the crisis of his fortunes according to C.M. Bowra?
He has to act alone.
45
What does C.M. Bowra suggest about Odysseus' cunning?
His need for cunning is enforced by his own recklessness.
46
How does Griffin compare Odysseus' desires with those of Achilles?
Odysseus prefers to live and recount his deeds rather than choose a glorious death.
47
What role does disguise play in Odysseus' story?
Odysseus uses disguise to enter Troy and later to return to his own house.
48
How is Odysseus perceived among the Suitors?
He is compared to a god, judging men among whom he moves in secret.
49
What does Richard Jenkyns say about Odysseus’ journey?
It is a journey from isolation towards an ever closer community.
50
What are the two kinds of Odysseus in the poem according to Richard Jenkyns?
* The folktale figure: trickster, wily, curious * The epic hero: noble, rooted in his kingdom
51
How is the marriage between Odysseus and Penelope described?
It is a partnership of intellectual equals, based on true love and a shared outlook on life.
52
What does the marriage bed symbolize in Odysseus' relationship with Penelope?
It symbolizes the solidity of their relationship; it cannot be moved.
53
What is the importance of self-control for Odysseus?
The power to conceal one’s feelings is crucial in a world full of treachery and hostility.
54
How does Odysseus compensate for his physical lack according to Barbara Clayton?
He compensates by means of verbal skills.
55
What does Mandzuka say about fate and Odysseus' responsibility?
Homer frees Odysseus of responsibility for the deaths of his comrades due to fate and ethics.
56
How does James Morrison describe Odysseus' reliance on the gods?
Odysseus is not a puppet; he contemplates his options and makes independent decisions.
57
What does Alcinous praise about Odysseus' storytelling?
He praises the unbelievable nature of Odysseus’ stories, which the Phaeacians find credible.
58
What does Andrew Parks highlight about Odysseus’ feelings during the Scylla episode?
His guilt highlights his devotion to saving his crew and the vast suffering he endures.
59
What characteristic of Odysseus adds to his heroism according to James Morrison?
His remarkable ability to survive and endure great challenges.
60
What is significant about Odysseus' first word to Penelope?
He uses 'gynai' meaning 'woman', which can also imply 'wife' from his perspective.
61
What does the 'reverse simile' compare Penelope seeing her husband to?
A shipwreck survivor seeing the shore ## Footnote This simile reverses traditional male and female roles and highlights Penelope's heroism alongside Odysseus’s.
62
List three characteristics of Penelope as described by Emily Wilson.
* Canny * Strong-willed * Loyal
63
What is Penelope's primary choice defined by?
Her marital status ## Footnote Penelope can either wait for Odysseus or marry someone else, a choice limited by the presence of suitors.
64
According to Finley, what role does Penelope play in The Odyssey?
She is a key to the unity of the poem.
65
How does Griffin characterize the fidelity of Penelope?
Crucial to the story and contrasted with Clytaemnestra's disloyalty.
66
What does Penelope's self-command and guile signify?
She is like Odysseus; the true wife for the hero.
67
In Book 18, how does Penelope appear to the suitors?
Dazzling with her beauty.
68
What does Robert Fagles say about the marriage between Odysseus and Penelope?
It is a partnership of intellectual equals, based on true love.
69
What does the marriage bed symbolize in The Odyssey?
The solidity of Odysseus and Penelope's relationship.
70
What significance does the veil have in Penelope's appearance?
It signifies modesty and/or chastity.
71
What might the bow contest represent in terms of Penelope's strategy?
A clever way to create time for Odysseus to return.
72
What does the marriage bed reveal about Penelope's fidelity?
It proves her faithfulness to Odysseus.
73
How does Penelope's suffering compare to Odysseus's adventures?
She has endured suffering equal to Odysseus, sharing a heroic experience.
74
What aspect of Telemachus's character does Griffin highlight?
His maturation and assertion of self.
75
How does the reader see Telemachus develop throughout The Odyssey?
From weak and powerless to slaying one of his tormentors.
76
What does Telemachus learn from other heroes?
He learns as much from their stories as from his own actions.
77
Who does Telemachus compare to when considering justice against the Suitors?
Orestes.
78
What is a key characteristic of the Suitors as described by Peter Jones?
They are contradictory and duplicitous.
79
What moral question does C.M. Bowra raise about the Suitors?
They lack heroism in a heroic age.
80
How are the Suitors described in terms of societal status?
They are referred to as aristoi (the best).
81
What crimes does Aegisthus commit that the Suitors hope to replicate?
* Adultery * Murder
82
What leads to the punishment of the Suitors according to Peter Jones?
Their reckless actions despite divine warnings.
83
What moral implications arise from Odysseus's actions against the Suitors?
Modern readers might question the justification of his killings.
84
What does James Morrison suggest about the Suitors' intelligence?
Their inability to see through Penelope's trick indicates a lack of quickness.
85
How do the Suitors violate the code of xenia?
They are terrible guests.
86
What connection is drawn between Odysseus’ men and the Suitors?
Both engage in gluttonous behavior leading to minimal sympathy for the Suitors.
87

Classic Civilisations (1 decks)

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