Classical Civilisation- The Odyssey Flashcards
What Period was the odyssey set, written and composed in?
Set in the Mycenean age- Written and composed in Archaic/ Classical period
What is oral poetry?
Form of poetry transmitted with a narration not writing
What is an Aoidos/ Bard?
High trained Greek singer who narrated oral poetry
What is meant by epic poetry?
Epos means poem and an epic poetry was detail of an extraordinary quest/adventure from a central character
When (what period) was the Greek alphabet/ writing invented?
Archaic Period
Who is Homer?
Aoidos from ancient world known: The Odyssey/ Iliad- thought to be blind and scholars debate if Homer is a group
Why is Homer significant?
What is he known as?
Contributed to Greek values/ established Greek identity( teacher of Greece).
How long did the Trojan war last?- How long did Odysseus take to come home?- How long was Odysseus captive to Calypso?-
What island is Odysseus from?
10 years, 10 years, 7 years , Ithaca
What is the structure of the Odyssey like and why has homer used this technique?
Non chronological order=intrigued to hear about quest via flashbacks= Dramatic Atmosphere
Name 7 language techniques used in Greek Literature
Epithet, Formulae, Simile, Epic Simile( longer simile with developed imagery), Pathos, Gory imagery and Dramatic irony
What is the greek word for task?
topos
What is book 1 about?
Telemachus introduced & Gods decide to help Odysseus & Athena gives Telemachus hope. He goes to oust the suitors & sends his mum up
What are some adjectives/epithets of Telemachus?
Courageous, Godlike, Prudent, Youthful
What hyperbole is used in bk 2 to make us pity O?
Most unfortunate man to ever live
What is Athena’s relationship with Odysseus?
He is her favourite mortal- so she helps him
How are the themes of Xenia, Kleos showed?
Xenia- suitors abuse xenia- “their eating me out of my home”. T says “Welcome friend!” to Athena ( disguised)
Kleos- “He failed to save his comrades in spite of all efforts made”
How does Homer show that the audience felt pity for T?
Q: A wave of pity swept through the gathering
How does T take back control?
Instructs his mother to go up and weave and she cries as she misses her husband. And calls himself master of the house= responsibility/ Kleos
What is bk 2 about?
T tells suitors to leave and suitors blame P for deceitfulness and don’t go. Soothsayer says O will return and kill all suitors but they laugh. Ends in fight
How can we see the use of the epithet of dawn?
fresh & rosy fingered
Which suitor argues with T in Ithaca?
Antinous
What does T do?
Departs to find dad in Sparta and Pylos but only tells his nurse ( not P).
How can we see Odysseus characteristics in T?
He is orally gifted as all eyes turn to him in admiration
What is said about Penelope and what can we infer about her as a Greek kyria?
Shrewd as she makes a new shroud everyday and deceives the suitors= not good kyria BUT is loyal and is skilled in handicrafts= ideal