The odyssey

• What is the main plot of The Odyssey?

  Odysseus seeks to return home to Ithaca after twenty years away.
• What happens to Odysseus' crew during their journey home?

  All his crew die in horrific circumstances.
• What does Odysseus have to do upon returning to Ithaca?

  He has to reclaim his kingdom from his enemies.
• How is the narrative structure of The Odyssey described?


  The story is not written in chronological order.
• What technique does Homer use to explain the non-chronological order of events?

  Homer adopts a flashback technique.
• What are the early books of The Odyssey referred to as?

  The Telemachy.
• What do the early books of The Odyssey focus on?


  They focus on the return of Telemachus to Ithaca.
• What do Books 5 to 8 of The Odyssey describe?

  They focus on the homecoming of Odysseus and his involvement with the Phaeacians.
• What happens when the Phaeacians discover Odysseus' identity?

  They agree to help him return to Ithaca.
• What is the focus of Books 9 to 12 in The Odyssey?

  They are the flashback aspect of the story where Odysseus recounts his perilous adventures.
• Who is Polyphemus in The Odyssey?

  He is the Cyclops that Odysseus encounters.
• What do Books 13 to 24 focus on?

  They focus on Odysseus in Ithaca, testing the loyalties of his friends and taking revenge on the suitors.
• What is the theme of Nostos in The Odyssey?

  Nostos refers to the desire to return home.
• How does the concept of fate play a role in The Odyssey?

  It suggests that the gods determine the fate of humans through their actions.
• What is Xenia in the context of The Odyssey?

  Xenia is the Greek custom of hospitality towards travelers.
• How is Odysseus' trickery viewed by the Greeks?

  Despite his negative characteristics, the Greeks admired his trickery and lies.
• What does The Odyssey examine regarding civilization?

  It examines what it means to be civilized versus uncivilized.
• What is the relationship between justice and revenge in The Odyssey?

  The story asks whether Odysseus' actions against the suitors are justice or revenge.
• Who is Odysseus?


  He is the main protagonist and King of Ithaca.
• What challenges does Penelope face during Odysseus' absence?

  She fights off over a hundred suitors who believe Odysseus is dead.
• Who is Telemachus?


  He is the son of Odysseus.
• What happens to Odysseus' father, Laertes, during his absence?


  He lives humbly and mourns the absence of his son.
• Who are Alcinous and Arete?

  Alcinous is the Phaeacian king, and Arete is his queen who helps Odysseus.
• Who is Eurycleia?


  She is a maid in Odysseus' palace who is loyal to him and Penelope.
• What role do Eumaeus and Philoetius play in The Odyssey?


  They are loyal friends of Odysseus who help him and Telemachus.
• Who is Melanthius?


  He is Odysseus' disloyal goatherd who sides with the suitors.
• What happens to the suitors in The Odyssey?

  They face a grisly death for their disloyalty.
• Who is Agamemnon?


  He is the King of Mycenae and commander of the Greek forces at Troy.
• What is the fate of Antinous?

  He is one of the main suitors who is killed by Odysseus.
• Who is Circe?


  She is an enchantress who transforms Odysseus' men into swine.
• What is the significance of Polyphemus in Odysseus' journey?

  Odysseus blinds him after he eats some of his men, showcasing Odysseus' cunning.
• What are the key themes of The Odyssey?


  • Nostos: The desire to return home
  • Revenge and Justice: The link between revenge and justice
  • Civilisation and Barbarism: What it means to be civilised
  • Deceit and Trickery: Odysseus' use of lies and trickery
  • Xenia: The importance of hospitality and friendship
  • The Power of Fate: The role of the gods in determining fate
• What are the key characters in The Odyssey?

  • Odysseus: King of Ithaca and main protagonist
  • Penelope: Odysseus' faithful wife
  • Telemachus: Son of Odysseus
  • Laertes: Odysseus' father
  • Athena: Goddess and protector of Odysseus
  • Poseidon: God of the seas and antagonist to Odysseus
  • Circe: Enchantress who transforms men into swine
  • Polyphemus: Cyclops who is blinded by Odysseus
• What is the structure of The Odyssey?

  • Non-chronological narrative
  • Use of flashbacks to recount past events
  • Divided into books focusing on different aspects of Odysseus' journey
• Who asks Odysseus about his identity after he weeps at a song about Troy?

  Alcinous
• What are the main adventures Odysseus recounts to Alcinous?

  • Encounters with the Cicones
  • The Lotus Eaters
  • The Cyclops, Polyphemus
• What does Odysseus shout as he leaves the Cyclops, and what is the consequence of this action?

  He shouts his own name, allowing Polyphemus to call upon Poseidon to punish him
• How long does Odysseus stay on the island of Aelous?

  One month
• What happens to Odysseus and his crew as they leave Aelous?

  They are blown off course just before reaching Ithaca
• Who is the witch that transforms Odysseus's men into pigs?

  Circe