Odyssey part 1 Flashcards
Who is Calypso and what is her role in the story?
She is a fairy/nymph who keeps Odysseus captive for 7 years
What positive trait does Odysseus show when dealing with Calypso?
Eager to get home, strategic to flatter Calypso
Who is Eurylochus and what does he do at circes island?
He is part of the crew and was the one that thought that going onto the island was a trap, he escaped and warned Odysseus about Circe
What positive traits does Odysseus show when dealing with Circe?
He was patient and waited a year to get to leave her island, he is obedient and listened to her advice, and smart to convince her to let them leave
What is a lotus and what does it do?
It is a flower. If you eat it you become addicted to it and you lose hope of home
In what ways does Odysseus show cleverness with the cyclops?
He tells him his name is nobody
What are some of Odysseus’ positive and negative traits while dealing with the cyclops?
Clever, strategic, arrogant, foolish
Who are the 2 ghosts Odysseus sees before meeting with Tiresias?
His mom and Elpenor (crew member)
Who is Tiresias and why is his main role in the story ironic?
He is a blind prophet ghost, who tells Odysseus his prophecy so that he can more easily overcome his challenges. Its ironic because he can’t see but can see into the future.
How do Odysseus and his men escape the sirens successfully?
The crew plugs their ears with wax and they tie Odysseus to the mast so he can still hear their song
What are the Scylla and Charybdis?
Scylla is a 6 headed monster and Charybdis is a giant whirlpool monster that appears 3x per day
Why doesn’t Odysseus tell his men the truth about facing the Scylla and Charybdis?
He is afraid they will rebel or be too scared to move forward
What is Troy?
The city they fight in the Trojan war in
What is Ithaca?
Odysseus’ home
Who is Homer?
The author of The Odyssey
