Assignment for books 1-4
Please read the Odyssey very carefully, not just with your eyes. As
you read think about what events and characters and themes might mean in
terms of the whole story. Read so that you can talk accurately about what
has happened, but also try to read with meaning in mind. The following
list of themes to follow throughout the Odyssey may help focus your reading,
as will the study questions listed for each book.
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The acquisition of knowledge
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"right action" vs. "improper action" and what those terms mean.
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Man's relationship to his gods.
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How one's culture shapes one's world view and influences one's behavior
and decisions.
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Order vs. chaos; civilization vs. the unknown/uncivilized.
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Man's duty to himself, his family and his community.
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A king's duty to himself, his family and his community.
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Life and death.
Study questions for books 1-4
Read books 1-4 CAREFULLY. As you read think about the society that is being
described by Homer. Think about the characters, their stations in society,
their beliefs and customs. For each book (1-4 inclusive) choose
one
quotation that you think is most important. Type up each quotation
and (for each quotation) a paragraph explaining why you think it is important.
Be prepared to discuss them in class! (Please note: you will be graded
on this assignment and you will be marked down if you do not follow directions
completely. That is, be sure to type up the complete quotations and explaining
paragraphs!).
Book 1:
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What are the main themes/ideas introduced in the first few pages of the
poem?
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According to Zeus, who or what is responsible for what happens to human
beings? Do you think this is significant?
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Why does Zeus discuss Orestes and Agamemnon before he discusses Odysseus?
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What do we learn about the power structure of the gods in their assembly?
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Why does Athena bring up Orestes again?
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How is Penelope described?
Book 2:
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Compare and contrast the assembly in Ithaca to the assembly of the gods
in Book I.
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Why are the actions of the suitors thought to be outrageous?
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What is the suitors' defense?
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Why doesn't Telemachus send Penelope away?
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Why can't Penelope sent the suitors away?
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What is Athena's role in the action at this point?
Book 3:
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Make a list of the sacrifices mentioned -- what is the importance of sacrifice
in Homeric society?
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Describe Nestor's household. Is it like Odysseus'
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What does Nestor say about Agamemnon? Why is this story told here?
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What does Telemachus learn from Nestor?
Book 4:
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What is the relationship between Helen and Menalaus?
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What does Telemachus learn about Odysseus that he didn't know before?
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What does Menalaus learn about his brother Agamemnon?
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Why do you think the story of Agamemnon was brought up again?
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So far in the poem, who has appeared in disguise and why are they important?
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Why do you think the first 4 books in the Odyssey are about Telemachus?
I would like to thank Professor Caldwell for sharing study questions.
Many of the questions above originate with her (as do those on the other
Odyssey pages).
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