Book 6 Flashcards
What happens at the start of book 6?
Athena visits the princess, Nausicaa in her dream disguised as her friend.
What does Athena tell Nausicaa to do?
- Wash her clothes.
2. Because she is soon to be married.
What does Nausicaa do after this having the dream?
She goes to see her mother and father.
What does Nausicaa ask for from her parents?
- A carriage
2. A mule
What does the princess hide from her father?
Her true motive.
What is her excuse to do the washing?
She needs to wash her 5 brothers’ clothes
How does Alcinous feel about this
He sees through her, but lovingly complies.
What does her mother give her?
A picnic for her and her maids
What do the men do after she is given the picnic?
They prepare the carriage for her trip.
What does Nausicaa and her maids to at the river?
They wash the clothes
What do they do whilst waiting for the clothes to dry in the sun?
- Bathe
- Anoint themselves with oil
- Eat
What do the women start doing, after they have eaten?
They take off their veils
The maids play ball whilst Nausicaa sings and keeps time.
Who is Nausicaa likened to after singing? Why?
Artemis, as she stands out because of her youth and prettiness.
What does Nausicaa do as they are about to leave?
She throws the ball into the river
Who makes Nausicaa throw the ball?
Athena
How do the girls react to the ball being in the river?
They shriek
What do the shrieks cause?
Odysseus to wake up
What does Odysseus do in response to waking up?
He deliberates who the girls might be and decides the face them
What is Odysseus likened to? Why?
A hungry lion, he is compelled by necessity, hunting for help
What do the maids do as they see Odysseus?
They run in terror, at his gruesome sight
Who stands firm to face Odysseus? Why?
Nausicaa, Athena has put courage into her
What does Odysseus deliberate, as he approached Nausicaa?
He thinks about what is the best way to supplicate her
Why does he think about how he supplicates her?
He is conscious his naked state might offend her.
What does Odysseus decide to do?
He chooses to keep his distance at the cost of having his supplication ignored
How does he decide to supplicate her?
He uses crafty and subtle words. He flatters Nausicaa, relating his troubles and requests her help
What does Nausicaa tell him?
His problems come from Zeus and he must endure them
What does she tell her maids to do?
To bathe him
What is Odysseus’ reply?
He bathes himself due to the embarrassment
What does Athena do to Odysseus’ looks?
She makes him seem taller, sturdier and hondsomer
Why does Athena make him more attractive?
To make Nausicaa think of him as a suitor
What is Nausicaa’s response to Odysseus’ new look?
She admires him and orders her maids to feed him.
What does Odysseus do after being given food?
He avidly eats it
What does Nausicaa instruct Odysseus to do?
She instructs him on how to enter the city.
What description does she give Odysseus next? What does this show?
She then gives a detailed description of the city - complete with walls, 2 harbours, agora and temples. This shows the Phaeacians are worthy sailors.
What is Odysseus told by Nausicaa? Why?
To not follow her once into the city, so that no one gossips about them and her reputation suffers.
Where is Odysseus told to wait?
At Athena’s sacred grove
After waiting at the grove he is told to?
Seek Alcinious’ palace later
Once he gets to the Palace he is told to?
Supplicate Arete
Where does Odysseus then get to after entering the city?
Athena’s sacred grove.
What does he do once at the grove?
He prays to her that the Phaeacians should receive him with kindness and compassion.
What is Odysseus unaware of at this time?
All of Athena’s help, he accuses her of being deaf to his prayers.
What does Athena do next after Odysseus says his prayers?
She hears them but refrains from appearing to Odysseus before he reaches Ithaca, out of deference of Poseidon.
