Themes, Context, Etc, Flashcards
What is the purpose of the flashback scenes?
«Seperates fantasy and real life
«Allows Od. To project character
«makes Od. Heroic
«means of telling Od’s Past present and future
«affects audiences view of narrator
«allows us to view Od as one of a great company of heroes, now dead
«provides double irony as can we trust Od who is the master of spinning deceit
«falls well into underlying theme of Xenia, Od’s Gift to Phaecians is story in return for hospitality
What is the purpose of speeches?
«8000 of 12000 lines are direct speech «display character and allow characteristics to shine through- smart, sly, cruel «emphasise irony «coney character through tone speaker uses «emphasises irony «creates atmosphere «conveys emotion. «Reveals Od’s heroic qualities
What heroic qualities is Odysseus shown to have?
«Ability to spin a tale «Familiarity with gods «refusal to be patronised and insulted «belief that Zeus’ laws must be obeyed «desire for Kleos «desire for timē «love of Ithaca «Skill as craftsman «Autarky-Self sufficiency
What is a Homeric hero?
«Noble Birth «Relationships with Immortals «Kleos- renown or glory «Physical strength and beauty «Excellence in war «Excellence with words «Resourcefulness «Timē- public praise and honour (gifts) «Nostos- longing for home
How is Ithaca characterised and portrayed?
«”Rough land” which “nurtures fine men”
«Life is hard but people prosper
«People have respect for divinities- water supply presided by shrine
«Good servants have respect for Zeus and Xenia
«Loyalty of people is defining characteristic
«Life is not luxurious, Penelope weaves
«The society is Patriarchal
How are the Cyclopes presented?
«lack of civilised ways- ‘they have no assemblies for the making of laws, nor any established legal codes, but live in hollow caves.’
«They show no interest in Neighbours
«Despite fertile land do not plant or grow crops
How are the Phaecians presented?
«may have been created as bridge between fantasy and real.
«Follow laws of Zeus and Xenia
«Idyllic country
«civilisation is refined
«they do not have weapons, but sail
«women are skilled at loom and smart
However
«Od warned to keep out of sight because they have little affection for strangers
«their temple is dedicated to Poseidon
«Alcinous has to be reminded that a supplicant should not be left sitting in the hearth
«Arete insists Od secures treasure lest crew steal it
«gifts to Od. Paid for by tax
