The Odyssey Questions on Book 1
The Odyssey
Where does divine intervention occur in The Odyssey?
Divine intervention in The Odyssey is frequent, particularly by Athena, who advocates for Odysseus and assists Telemachus. Notable examples include Athena convincing Zeus to free Odysseus from...
The Odyssey
Identification and analysis of epithets in various books of The Odyssey
Epithets in The Odyssey serve to characterize individuals and objects, often highlighting key traits. Examples include "rosy-fingered Dawn" for the goddess of the morning, emphasizing beauty and...
The Odyssey
Athena's request for Zeus to send Hermes to Calypso in The Odyssey
Athena requests Zeus to send Hermes to Calypso to ensure Odysseus's release. She wants Hermes to convey Zeus's command that Calypso must let Odysseus leave her island so he can return home to Ithaca....
The Odyssey
What are some examples of greed in The Odyssey?
Examples of greed in The Odyssey include the suitors who waste Odysseus's household in their pursuit of Penelope, as described in Book I. Another instance is Eurymachus entertaining his friends at...
The Odyssey
Examples of parallelism in the early books of Homer's Odyssey
Examples of parallelism in the early books of Homer's Odyssey include the similar journeys of Telemachus and Odysseus. Both characters embark on quests: Telemachus seeks news of his father, while...
The Odyssey
What is the significance of Homer starting "The Odyssey" with Telemachus instead of Odysseus?
Homer begins "The Odyssey" with Telemachus to create dramatic tension and context by starting in medias res, focusing on the crisis at home in Ithaca. This approach highlights the urgency of...
The Odyssey
What are three framing stories in Homer's Odyssey?
O'Sullivan, R. (2012). The Odyssey. In The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces , 3rd Ed., Vol. F, pp. 956-1057. W.W. Norton & Company O'Sullivan, R. (2012). The Odyssey . In The Norton...
The Odyssey
Who keeps Odysseus captive for 7 years in The Odyssey?
Odysseus is held captive for seven years by the goddess Calypso on the island of Ogygia because she loves him and wishes for him to stay with her. Despite offering him immortality, Odysseus longs to...
The Odyssey
In books 1-2 of The Odyssey, why do the suitors avoid going to Icarius's house?
The suitors avoid going to Icarius's house because they fear he would choose a husband for Penelope, assuming Odysseus is dead. They prefer staying at Odysseus's home, where they exploit the...
The Odyssey
How do the Titans of Greek mythology relate to the Odyssey?
The Titans in Greek mythology relate to the journey of Odysseus in the Odyssey through various references. Hyperion, the Sun-god, is significant as Odysseus' men perish after eating his sacred...
The Odyssey
How are characters like Telemachus and the suitors introduced in the Odyssey, and are there differences among the...
In The Odyssey, Telemachus is introduced as a "godlike" but troubled young man concerned about his absent father, Odysseus, and the suitors consuming his wealth. He is polite and hospitable,...
The Odyssey
What are the implications of words like "daydreaming" and "dreamed" in the Odyssey?
The use of words like "daydreaming" and "dreamed" in The Odyssey signifies inaction and passivity, especially for Telemachus, who initially fantasizes about his father's return to reclaim Ithaca....