The Odyssey

Athena appears in Nausicaa’s dream, telling her to go to the river and wash clothes.  Nausicaa and her maids meet Odysseus at the river, and all but Nausicaa are frightened of his rough appearance.  He begs her to help him and she agrees.  He bathes and follows Nausicaa’s instructions for asking her parents for assistance.

1. What “subliminal” message does Athena give to Nausicaa while she lies sleeping?
2. Why doesn’t Nausicaa run away?
3. Is it pure luck that Nausicaa helps Odysseus? Explain.
4. What does the fact that Odysseus won’t bathe in front of the girls tell us about his character?
5. Does Nausicaa believe her parents will help Odysseus?
6. Why won’t Nausicaa let Odysseus ride in her cart?
7. What instructions does she give Odysseus?

Athena again pleads to Zeus for Odyssesus’ release.  Zeus sends Hermes to Calypso with orders that she release Odysseus.  Calypso grudgingly complies.  Odysseus is given much trouble by Poseidon, but with the help of Leucothea and Athena, he finally reaches the land of the Phaiacians, where he collapses – exhausted.

1. Who is Hermes?  What is his mission? What can he do with his wand?
2. What is Calypso’s reaction to having let Odysseus go?
3. What si the main problem Odysseus faces while traveling by sea?
4. What happens to Odysseus at the end of Book V?

Telemachos and Megapenthes arrive at and are welcomed into the home of Menelaos and Helen.  Menelaos tells Telemachos of his travels with Odysseus and that Odysseus is trapped on an island by Calypso.  Meanwhile, Antinoos has learned that Telemachos has embarked on his journey and plots with the other suitors to kill him upon his return to Ithaca.  Penelopeia learns of Telemachos’ leaving and is upset.

1. What clues cue Menelaos and Helen that Telemachos is Odysseus’ son?
2. What is Menelaos’ opinion of Odysseus?
3. Describe Antinoos’ plan to destroy Telemachos.

Following Athena’s advice, Telemachos visits King Nestor of Pylos to get information about his father.  Athena accompanies him disguised as an old family friend, Mentor.  Nestor tells Telemachos stories about Odysseus.  Telemachos continues his search on horseback with Nestor’s son Pesistratus.

1. What is Nestor’s opinion of Odysseus?
2. Describe Nestor’s reaction when he realizes that Telemachos’ companion is Athena.

In a town meeting, Telemachos announces his intentions to locate his father and rid his house of the suitors.  He is met with ridicule and doubt, especially from Antinoos who confronts Telemachos twice.  Athena helps Telemachos prepare for his joureny, and he sets out in secret that night.

Questions:

1. Describe the trick that Penelopeia plays on her suitors.
2. What specifically does Athena do to help Telemachos in Book II?

Answer all the questions in one comment.  Please number or (better) include part of the question in the first sentence of your answer and space between answers.

Athena appeals to Zeus for permission to help Odysseus reach home.  Odysseus’s home in Ithaca is overun with suitors who are tyring to win Penelope’s hand.  With teh help of Athena disguised as Mentes, Telemachos fins the courage to confront the suitors.

1. Where is Odysseus?
2. What or whom is Athena disguised as?
3. Why do Telemachos and his mother need Odysseaus?
4. Why does Odysseus’s wife have suitors?
5. What does Athena advise Telemachos to do?

In order to preserve your personal privacy and safety it is important that the following procedures are followed when posting comments:

▪     Only use your first name and last initial (elena a)

▪     Never post any personal information

▪     Use your Google account for the e-mail account (first.last@g.kpbsd.org)

When posting comments observe the following protocol:

▪     Use proper English

▪     Refrain from using text language and shortcuts

▪     Respect other opinions and use sentence starters such as, I respectfully disagree, you make a good point, I support………….

▪     Avoid using “me too” and “I agree” messages.

▪     DON’T USE ALL CAPS. IT INDICATES THAT YOU’RE YELLING.

▪     Maintain professional and respectful dialogue at all times. Be positive in your approach to others and careful with your words. Because we can’t see each other, it’s hard to tell if someone is bashful, bored, sarcastic, or just kidding.

Any profane language or postings that are inappropriate will result in disciplinary action.  These blogs are for academic purposes so please respect our intentions.

Contribute your efforts toward building a collaborative learning environment. Becoming an effective communicator in an academic environment is important to your success in the classroom. Unlike many other email experiences, the Online classroom is a collaborative learning environment. Collaboration is best accomplished in an atmosphere in which each participant feels respected and valued.

Hello.  This is our Odyessey Blog.  This is the space where we will “talk” about the book.  Instead of paper and pencil question and answers, I will post questions here and you will respond.  Then, you will read what others have said and comment on their responses.  In essence, we will do a Socratic Seminar electronically and with teacher directed questions.  Sound good?  Any questions?