“The Odyssey”by Homer

Reading and Writing Activities

Part Two: Coming HomePage 1078

Read the italicized information.

Identify the main idea of each of the four paragraphs.

Make a list of other details you think will be important as you read the rest of the text.

Is Odysseus an Epic Hero?

1. Uncommon Strength

2. Exceptional Knowledge

3. Cunning

4. Courage

5. Daring

An Epic Hero is a

Larger than Life Character

What does that phrase mean?

Is the Odyssey an Epic Myth?1. A physically impressive hero of national

or historical importance

2. A vast setting

3. A quest or journey undertaken in search of something of value

4. The involvement of supernatural forces

5. A basis in a specific culture or society

6. Characters struggling against fate

Historical ContextWhat are the Values and Beliefs of

the Ancient Greeks that can be seen in the Odyssey?

What can you learn about the culture, values, and virtues of the

ancient Greeks based on the events and characters in the

Odyssey?

Why do you think the Odyssey includes these types of details?

Characteristics of World Myths1. Polytheistic Religion

2. Nature was controlled by gods/goddesses

3. Physical Strength

4. Intelligence and Cleverness

5. Hospitality and Treatment of Strangers/Guests

6. Respect

7. Family

8. Fate and Destiny

Author’s PurposeThe reasons behind the way the author tells his or her story. It includes his or her use of words and language as well as the themes depicted in the text.

Based on what you have read so far what are Odysseus’s most important traits or skills?

What do you think was the theme or lesson Homer most wanted to share with his audience?

What was Homer’s purpose for The Wanderings?

What’s Happened?

1. How do you think you will change over the next twenty years?

2. How will the people in your family change over the next twenty years?

3. How do you think going to war might change a person and the way they “see” the world?

4. How would your neighborhood change over the next twenty years?

* Based on your thoughts and ideas, what do you think will be Odysseus’s biggest challenge/obstacle? How do you predict he will overcome his predicament?

“The Meeting of Father and Son”Pages 1079-1083

A. Paraphrasing – What happens in this scene? Bring it to life in your own words.

B. Analyzing Historical Context – In Homer’s time, slaves may very well have outnumbered the citizens. What do you think Homer is trying to say by having Odysseus make an alliance with a servant?

“The Meeting of Father and Son”

Pages 1079-1083

C. Asking Questions – Why do you think Athena has suddenly changed Odysseus?

D. Epic Similes – What are Odysseus’s and Telemachus’s cries compared to during their tearful reunion? What aspect of their reunion does this simile emphasize?

“The Beggar and the Faithful Dog”Pages 1083-1084

A. Epic Heroes and Conflict – What do Odysseus’s tears and comments about the dog reveal about Odysseus’s character?

B. Paraphrasing – Restate this description of the dog’s life. What point about life might Homer be making with this passage?

Literary Response“Father and Son” & “Beggar

and the Faithful Dog” Read the text carefully and note the words, actions,

and thoughts of Odysseus. 

What character traits (3+) does Odysseus

demonstrate in this section of text?

Which traits were useful and which interfered with

his goals?Explain your thoughts and ideas and use evidence

from the text to support your response.

“The Test of the Great Bow”Pages 1085-1091

A. Asking Questions – Why do you think Penelope is crying?

B. Epic Heroes and Conflict – What internal conflict is Odysseus experiencing?

C. Summarizing – How do the swineherd and cowherd prove they can be trusted?

“The Test of the Great Bow”

Pages 1085-1091

D. Paraphrasing – What insults to the suitors throw Odysseus’s way? Do you expect their inhospitality to go unpunished?

E. Epic Similes – Here, Odysseus’s handling of the bow is described in terms of a master musician readying an instrument. What effect do Odysseus’s effortless actions have on the suitors?

“The Test of the Great Bow”Pages 1085-1091

F. Asking Questions – What “amusements” do you think might be in store for the suitors?

* Analyzing Historical Context – What lesson(s) do you think Homer is trying to show the reader?

“Death at the Palace”Pages 1092-1095

A. Paraphrasing – Restate what happens in this passage?

B. Epic Heroes and Conflict – In what ways is Eurymachus a “character foil” to Odysseus? What does his speech reveal about his character?

“Death at the Palace”Pages 1092-1095

C. Epic Similes – To what are the suitors compared? To what are the suitors’ attackers compared?

D. Making Judgments – Do you think Odysseus has over-reacted to the situation with the suitors? Did he need to kill them in order to achieve his goals?

Literary Response“The Test of the Great Bow” and

“Death in the Palace” Read the text carefully and note how Odysseus is able to overcome the challenges he faces during

Part II of the story. 

Which three character traits have been most useful for Odysseus to overcome the

challenges in Part II?

Would any of Odysseus’s actions be considered

excessive?Explain your thoughts and ideas and use

evidence from the text to support your response.

“Odysseus and Penelope”Pages 1096-1101

Page 1097

A. Epic Heroes and Conflict – What internal conflicts do you imagine both Odysseus and Penelope are facing? Are these feelings mutual? EXPLAIN!!!

B. Epic Heroes and Conflict – What admirable qualities do both Odysseus and Penelope display here?

“Odysseus and Penelope”Pages 1096-1101

Page 1100

C. Paraphrasing – What trick does Penelope use to get Odysseus to prove who he is? How does Odysseus describe the bed?

Page 1101

D. Summarizing – What key information are we given here?

Part two: Coming Home1. Questions 1-7 (shorter answers) on page

1102

2. Questions 8-14 (longer more detailed answers) on page 1102

3. Vocabulary Check 1-5 on page 1103

4. Vocabulary Skills: Your Turn 1-5 Activities on page 1103

*Read the Information

5. Vocabulary Skills: Vocabulary Development 6-9 on page 1104

*Read the Information

The Video

Both

The Text

People and Places in The Odyssey

1. Read the information on pages 1032-1033.

2. Create a chart to categorize the characters and places listed in the section.

3. Your chart should be divided into at least four different categories.

4. Be sure to include the description of each entry in your chart.

5. Make sure the chart is clear, easy to read, and useful as a tool to help you better comprehend the text.

Is the Odyssey an Epic Myth?

1. A physically impressive hero of national or historical importance

2. A vast setting

3. A quest or journey undertaken in search of something of value

4. The involvement of supernatural forces

5. A basis in a specific culture or society

6. Characters struggling against fate

Is the Odyssey an Epic Myth?

What are the elements of epic literature?

Which element(s) can be seen in the Odyssey?

Which element do you think has been the most important?