Study Questions & Essay Topics
Study Questions
1. How does Homer
portray the relationship between gods and men in the Odyssey? What
roles do the gods play in human life? How does this portrayal differ
from that found in the Iliad?
2. In what ways
does Odysseus develop as a character during the course of the narrative?
Does he develop at all?
3. One of the
most important cultural values in the
Odyssey is
that of xenia, a Greek concept encompassing the generosity and courtesy
shown to those who are far from home. Why might hospitality have
held more significance in Homer's time than it does in today's world?
How is hospitality established as a key value in the epic?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. What is the role of family
in the Odyssey? What values characterize the relationship
between fathers and sons? You may wish to compare and contrast some
of the father and son pairs in the epic (Odysseus and Telemachus,
Laertes and Odysseus, Poseidon and Polyphemus, Nestor and Pisistratus, Eupithes
and Antinous). How does Homer portray the idea of continuity between
generations?
2. What is the role of women
in the Odyssey? Focusing especially on Penelope,
Calypso, or Anticleia, discuss how women are portrayed in this epic.
3. Compare and contrast Telemachus's
journey with that of Odysseus. How does the younger man's experience
enable him to grow as a character? What role does Athena play in
his success?
4. Looking at Odysseus's narrative
in Books 9 through 12,
think about the techniques Homer uses to portray the magical and fantastical
aspects of Odysseus's adventures. How does he handle what we might
call special effects? That is, how does he make his monsters fearsome,
his goddesses stunning, the dangers frightening, etc.?
