Odyssey Books 8-10

Any last essays lingering?

Athena is the best work out

The Odyssey continues...

• Review Journal 22 (Book VIII)
• What's up with the delayed identity? 
• How would you describe the nature of this temptation?
• What kind of hero would you describe him as? (Compared to Achilles?)
• Why is the story about Aphrodite & Ares mentioned? 

• Add the vocab: 
• Name Meanings
• Odysseus - "son of pain"
• Telemachus - "war from afar"
• Antinous - "not mindful"
• Terms
• metis - cunning
• menis - demonic rage
• dolos (dolon) - craft(s) or deceptions
• nous - mind
• aristeia - prowess

Journal 23 (Book IX & X)

Book IX

1. Note exactly how Odysseus identifies himself, and how and where he begins his story (Compare it to Menelaus' account of their departure from Troy). Don't assume he's always telling the truth. Pay attention to what he says about his behavior and his awareness of his audience. 
2. Note the attack on the Cicones: what happens? What is the nature of the conflict among Odysseus’s men? 
3. 214: A storm takes them to the land of the Lotus Eaters. What is the specific danger here? 
4. 215: The Cyclops Polyphemus. This is the key episode. Note the description of the island and the nature of Cyclopean society. Pay attention to Odysseus's behavior. Is it commendable? Is he a good guest? Is Polyphemus a good host? 
5. As you read the cyclops episode, where can you see examples of metis, menis, dolos, nous & aristeia? 
6. What vices get Odysseus into trouble? What virtue gets him out of it? What types of behavior are approved and condemned by this story? 
7. What do you think of this Polyphemus? 

Book X

1. 230: Aeolus, king of the winds, receives O., and sends him off with a bag of winds, which his crew opens when he sleeps. Who is to blame here? Pay attention to the description of Aeolus' family. 
2. 231: Odysseus loses 11 ships in an attack on the Laestrygonians. What are his tactics in this encounter? 
3. The remaining ship arrives at the island of Circe. The crew begins to rebel: why? 
4. Pay close attention to the description of her house and Circe herself. What details do you feel are significant? Why? How is O's metis exemplified here?
5. Compare Circe, Nausicaa, and Calypso; which does Odysseus prefer and why? Are there any indications that Homer is aware of a 'double standard'? 
6. You've earned a clip!