The Odyssey: Book 2 Flashcards
Name ways in which homer glorified telemachus in the first 14 lines
‘Well honed sword’, ‘smooth feet’, ‘handsome as a god’ shows his wealth
‘Ordered’, ‘strode in’ shows his confidence
‘Athena lavished a marvellous splendour’, ‘gazed in wonder’, ‘elders making way as he took his fathers seat’ he has an air about him
Homer describes the first omen in the book explain it
Eagles fly away and then returned and attacked people, halitherses, the prophet explained this saying odysseus isn’t far away, suitors will be destroyed, everyone else will get pain too and Odysseus will return after 20 years unrecognised
In lines 311-347 what different pieces of advice does Athena give to telemachus?
She tells him to get rid of the suitors, get them away from his mother and take control of the palace. To give orders and replace his father, if Penelope wants to get married allow it but have the family sort it out as they’ll choose a suitable husband. Get a boat get men and look for news of Odysseus. She then tells him to go to pylos ad see king Nestor then Sparta and see Menelaus wait a year for his fathers return before taking any action. Go on a journey to become a man.
The character phemius is an oral poet what can we learn about ten from the way he operates?
They sing from the heart, are loyal as he shows his loyalty to Odysseus, he’s respectful to telemachus despite being forced to sing by the suitors. They’re supposed to sing meaningful songs as telemachus tells Penelope off for having him sing a less painful/mournful song.
Summary:
Telemachus summoned achaens to a meeting to discuss Odysseus. They gathered and gazed at him in wonder of his newfound confidence and control
Aegyptius wonders who summoned the meeting and blessed telemachus on his journey
Telemachus tells all the men to go home which they do, he then tells the suitors go leave they refuse and disrespect both telemachus’ and Athena’s decision
The suitors find out Penelope’s been tricking them to delay marrying one of them
Telemachus decides to go find news of his father, Athena disguised herself as telemachus and makes orders to help
Telemachus leaves in secret with Athena disguised as mentor and a ship of loyal men
Themes:
- hospitality
- loyalty
- vengeance
- growth
- fate
- arrogance
- danger
- good/evil
- beauty/love
- pride
- friendship
- supernatural
- reality vs appearance
- reward/repetition
