The Odyssey - Books 7-8 Flashcards
How does Athena protect Odysseus on the way to the castle in Phaeacia?
She mists him and tells him not to speak.
Define: ekphrasis
“description” in Greek. A vivid description of a scene or, more commonly, a work of art
Define: Meden Again
nothing in excess / balance is best in all things
In what ways do readers know that the Phaeacians are favored by the gods?
The gods visit them
They live in a utopian society
Define: Utopian
a place that is modeled after a state in which everything is perfect
How does Alcinous show honor to his guest?
Displaces his favorite son to allow Odysseus to sit where he was
define: xenophobia
dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries:
Why is Arete suspicious of Odysseus?
He is wearing clothes from her house
How does Alcinous say Odysseus will leave?
In a deep sleep on a boat
Who is Demodocus? Who is he supposed to represent?
The bard in Phaeacia. He is a bard, like Homer and Blind like Tiresias.
Why does Odysseus like the story of Ares, Aphrodite, and Hephaestus?
Because it is a story of the weak outwitting the strong. Both Hephaestus and Odysseus are crippled, but they both beat much stronger opponents using their brains.
How is Alcinous tipped off about Odysseus’ identity?
Odysseus cries at the songs about the Trojan War, he is also very strong.
