The Odyssey Flashcards
Learn all words
Homer was the writer of what?
The Odyssey
What kind of story was The Odyssey?
An epic
Homer was a man of…
Mystery
Homer was a…
Blind minstrel
What is a minstrel?
A person who entertains rich people for a living
What 2 things was there a lot of in the oral tradition of story telling?
Repetition & Improvisation
What were traveling poets called?
rhapsodes
What did rhapsodes do?
They recited epics in banquet halls of kings and noble families.
Some say that Homers existence is what?
A Legend
What is Cultural Capital?
Knowledge that comes from literature, stories, history, religion, famous people, or media.
Where did the birthplace of wester civilization come from?
Greece to Rome to Europe to AMERICA!
What is reciprocity?
A mutual exchange between 2 people. (you give to me, I give to you)
What is hospitality?
Treat all guests with respect. Be nice first, ask questions later. (a stranger could be a god in disguise)
What is Arete?
Greek word for excellence. intelligence (be smart and cunning; strength, courage, and duty)
What is religion?
Actions of the people should please the gods. Fate is controlled by the gods. Humans NEED the gods, without them they are nothing (Odysseyeus’s revelation)
How do humans honor the gods?
they honor they gods through sacrifices, asking for help, and giving them credit.
What is Hubris?
Extreme arrogance or self-pride. Hubris is often the fatal flaw in the protagonist, resulting in their downfall. Humans can demonstrate hubris but it will anger the gods.
What is a myth?
A story that uses fantasy. They are not realistic. They stress the relationship of humans to higher beings.
Characteristics of the epic…
- long narrative poem
- reflects values of a nation or culture.
- addresses universal concerns.
- focuses on the adventures of a historical or legendary hero.
- the supernatural plays an important role.
- the story is set in many locations.
- the hero is against the odds- they are strong and courageous.
- the story is simple and written in formal language.
What is a Classical Allusion?
references to mythology
A hero’s journey pattern
most epic hero’s go on quests.
What is an epithet?
a brief descriptive phrase that characterizes a person, place, or thing. Helps with rhyming or meter. Ways to describe someone without having to only say their name.
What is an epic simile?
compares epic events to everyday events.
What is In Media Res?
it means in the middle. like a flashback. the story will start in the middle then rewind back to the beginning. (Sonic)
