Overview

Epic poems draw on similar narrative techniques and literary conventions. Students will use this worksheet to understand how and why Homer uses three specific techniques: in medias res, deus ex machina, and flashbacks. Pass out this worksheet before students begin reading the text. Take a moment to discuss the three narrative techniques as a class, and then have students fill in the first column with initial answers. While students read the text, have them record examples of each technique. Once students complete their reading of The Odyssey, have them revisit the worksheet and complete the last column of the chart.

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