Summary OCR A level Classics: Odyssey, Homer COMPLETE
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Course
World of the Hero
Institution
OCR
Book
Odyssey
This document covers every prescribed section of the Odyssey. It includes both direct quotes and a deep analysis of these quotes and how these could be used in an essay. It is easy to choose a few from each chapter and theme in order to memorise them. These notes use all the themes prescribed by th...
Historical and Background Information of The Odyssey and the author
OCR A level Classics: Homer, Odyssey - scholars
OCR A level Classics: Homer's Odyssey - summarised
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Classics
World of the Hero
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Contents
Key Pg 02
Athene visits Telemachus Pg
Debate in Ithaca Pg
Telemachus with Nestor Pg
Menelaus and Helen Pg
Calypso Pg
Nausicaa Pg
The Palace of Alcinous Pg
Phaeacian Games Pg
Cyclops Pg
Circe Pg
Book of the dead Pg
Scylla and Charybdis Pg
Odysseus lands in Ithaca Pg
X
Y
Odysseus meets his son
1
, Key
Themes
Fate and destiny Concepts, values & behaviour of hero (time/ kleos)
Immortals (and relationships between mortals) Portrayal of different nations / slaves
Family Nostos
Relationships between men & women, children & Disguise
parents Recognition
Hospitality and guest friendship Fantasy and supernatural
Part played by women and their position in society Justice and revenge
Characters
- Major:
o
- Minor
o
- Gods
2
, Book 1, Athene Visits Telemachus
General Direct quote Explanation
Homer begins with a prayer to Tell me Muse Poet is a vessel for the gods song
the Muse That resourceful man Like Proteus, changes shape to avoid capture and gain kleos
Spite of all his efforts... their folly Interaction of human error and divine will has kept
Whatever point you will
Odysseus is preventing from Alone was prevented from Question of why his nostos has been stopped?
returning returning
Nymph Calypso Female
All the gods pitied, except Poseidon Gods are petty
Poseidon had left Was now gone on a visit Gods can subvert each other whilst they are away
Story of the death of Aegisthus Regard us as the source of their Mortals cause their own suffering, immortal beings do not create
troubles when it is their own destiny
transgression
Athena asks for Odysseus to be Father of ours
saved Odysseus that my heart is wrung Athena favours him
Soft, persuasive words Calypso’s power ( & Athena’s own, perhaps all women) is this
Can only yearn for death Importance of nostos
Why are you at odds His fate rests entirely in Zeus’ decision, immortals have control
Hermes is sent Must now set out for home Gods have direct control in his life
Athena goes to Telemachus Assumed the appearance… Mentes Divine intervention less conspicuous
Telemachus sees her Ashamed that a stranger should be Follows customs of xenia
kept standing at the gate
Slaves help Faithful housekeeper Suggests a loyalty to the house of Laertes
Helping them liberally to all she Generous – treated well?
could offer
Odysseus’ legacy Used to entertain in our house just His kleos is increased by dutifully following customs of xenia
as often as he visited abroad
Athena tells ‘she’ is from Will tell you everything honestly Gods as immoral
What has become of Laertes Lives a miserable existence Has isolated himself – fathers need sons to sustain life?
3
, Telemachus does not know his No man can be certain of his If he cannot be fully sure, as he does not know Odysseus, he does not
father parentage have full claim on his patronym – reducing reputation
Athena doesn’t like suitors Domineering and insolent
Decent man would be disgusted at Gods provide strict dogma that they don’t like this
the sight of such disgraceful
Eating me out of house and home Telemachus is also frightened of their effects
Says needs father back you need him to lay hands Needs a father figure to protect ?
Athena advises Telemachus Give your mother in marriage Her position in society
You are no longer a child
What a name Orestes made for Increased kleos, need to do something of note
himself
Like a father talking to his son Athena takes on this role – similarities to O?
Telemachus offers gifts Wont loose by the exchange Do ut des
Telemachus is changed by this Spirit and daring Simply feel encouraged by good advice or gods protection?
interaction Realised a god had been with him Magically grant him increased? Either way reinforces duty
Bard sing nostos, Penelope sad Bursting into tears Women are emotional
Telemachus reproaches It is not the poets who are Not to blame men for something that is the will of the gods, shows
responsible for what happens but respect to the gods. Also reproaches her for the same moping he was
Zeus himself engaging in earlier (change due to Athena)
Making decisions must be the Women have their own place in society , P acknowledges this
men’s concern
Telemachus doesn’t want the Demand that you quit my palace Athena shares sense of right and wrong (godlike voice) - conviction
suitors Destroy estate & not make Threatens w the vengeance of the gods (men and gods can both punish
restitution, will destroy them & not wrongdoing)
Suitors try to belittle Gods are teaching you this way of speaking, suggests he has no real agency
Telemachus is cunning In his heart he knew her Displays cunning and restraint, opposes suitors’ claims
Eurycleia Faithful
All the respect due to a loyal wife Treatment of slaves is unexpected
[no sex] fear of wife’s displeasure
Loved him most Genuine feelings for the children looking after
4
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