Nausicaa and Calypso

Question 1

1 Read the following passage from The Odyssey and answer the questions which follow:

Odysseus asks Nausicaa for help.

‘And it is with just the same wonder and veneration that I look at you, my lady, and I dare not clasp your knees, though my sufferings are serious enough. Only yesterday, after nineteen days, I made my escape from the wine-dark sea. It took all that time for the waves and the tempestuous winds to carry me here from the island
of Ogygia. And now some god has flung me on this shore, no doubt to suffer more disasters here. For I have no hope that my troubles will come to an end: the gods
have plenty in store for me before that can be. Pity me, princess.’

Homer, The Odyssey Book 6 (167-175)

(a) What impression do you get of Odysseus in this passage? Give reasons for your views and support them with details from the passage.

Answer 1

1a) This question was very well answered. Most candidates were able to discuss Odysseus’ intelligence and respect, and provide evidence. Many referred to him being a suppliant (or supplement in several cases) and showing of Nausicaa with relevant quotations.

Could also include:
-he appears civilised/ god fearing: because he knows of supplication and says ‘some god’ to avoid angering any in particular.

-possibly cursed by/ not in the gods’ favour- ‘escaped’ from the wine-dark sea, ‘more disasters’

Question 2

(b) What help does Nausicaa give Odysseus before he reaches the palace of Alcinous?

Answer 2

1b) This question was generally well done, despite some misconceptions. Most candidates could recall the bathing, feeding and clothing of Odysseus, but too many candidates stated explicitly that Nausicaa or her maids washed Odysseus. Candidates must be careful how they phrase responses. Nearly all candidates gave some information about what Nausicaa said to Odysseus about the journey back and what he should do in the palace, but not many discussed this section in as much detail as they might have. A significant number of candidates made assumptions such as Nausicaa went ahead to forewarn her parents or stated inaccurately what her parents would do.

Could also include:

• lent Odysseus some soft olive oil in a golden flask (though may not gain you an extra mark)
• Tells Odysseus where he is (in the land of the Phaeacians)
• SPECIFICALLY Gives Odysseus directions to Alcinous’ palace
• Instructs Odysseus to clasp the knees of Arete first, not Alcinous-> bias towards matriarchy (halfway between civilised and uncivilised society)
• so that Odysseus can get her father’s help on his homeward journey

Question 3

(c) Explain why Nausicaa offers to help Odysseus.

Answer 3

1c) There were many fine responses to this questions. Most candidates recalled the role of Athene in encouraging Nausicaa to go to the washing pools, implanting the idea of marriage, and later making Odysseus more attractive (taller, sturdier, and thick hair) and thus a more suitable husband. However some candidates thought she was told she would meet a man at the pools. Most were able to make perceptive comments on Odysseus’ flattery, with a few referring to the comparison of Nausicaa to a tree at Delos. Many also made reference to the custom of xenia, the role of Zeus in this, and Nausicaa not wanting to disgrace her people. Some responses also included her comment that Odysseus was clearly not a threat as the gods were too fond of the Phaeacians to send them a threat.

Could also include:
-Athene putting courage into Nausicaa’s heart and taking the fear from her limbs so that she didn’t run away like her maids, but stood firm