Characters in The Odyssey

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Questions and Answers

Match the following characters from The Odyssey with their descriptions:

Polyphemus = Giant, one-eyed son of Poseidon Laertes = Odysseus’s father Odysseus = The protagonist of The Odyssey Homer = Blind author of The Odyssey Telemachus = Odysseus’s son

Match the following mythological figures with their descriptions:

Circe = Goddess that turned Odysseus’s crew into pigs; warned Odysseus of the Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis Charybdis = Monster who makes a whirlpool to destroy passing ships Poseidon = God of the sea, enemy of Odysseus, father of Polyphemus Zeus = Father of the gods; punished Odysseus’s men for slaughtering Helios's cattle Scylla = Monster with 6 heads and 12 tentacles

Match the following characters with their roles in The Odyssey:

Sirens = Lures sailors to their death with song Teiresias = Blind prophet in the Underworld who warns Odysseus about the future Athena = Goddess of wisdom; favors Odysseus; helps him on this journey Calypso = Keeps Odysseus captive for 7 years Penelope = Wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus

Match the following figures and groups with their descriptions:

Eurylochus = Odysseus’s most loyal men at his home Alcinous = King of the Phaeacians; listens to Odysseus’s adventures Hermes = Messenger god Lotus Eaters = A group of people who eat a plant which causes them to forget Helios = God of the sun Signup and view all the answers

The Odyssey is an—

Epic poem Signup and view all the answers

Choose the phrase that best defines Homeric (Epic) simile.

A long, elaborate comparison between two unlike things Signup and view all the answers

Homer uses the technique of Homeric (Epic) similes to help his listeners—

Understand the events through common experiences of their lives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a trait of an epic hero?

Must be extremely wealthy Signup and view all the answers

An epic hero is a/an ______________________ character, meaning that it can be found across time and cultures.

archetype Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following of Odysseus’s actions is most characteristic of an epic hero?

He tells Polyphemus that his name is 'Nohbdy.' Signup and view all the answers

In Part II of The Odyssey, Odysseus exhibits the traits of an epic hero by—

Stringing the bow with ease. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following quotes best depicts Odysseus as a leader?

I hushed them, jerking head and eyebrows up, and in a low voice told them: 'Load this herd; move fast, and put the ship’s head toward the breakers' (Homer 668). Signup and view all the answers

In the passage below, Homer describes Hermes’s journey to Calypso’s cave. He uses what type of figurative language in his description?

Homeric (Epic) simile Signup and view all the answers

Odysseus alludes to which of the following?

Response needed from the text. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters

Polyphemus: The giant, one-eyed Son of Poseidon.
Laertes: Odysseus's father.
Odysseus: The protagonist of The Odyssey.
Homer: Blind author of The Odyssey.
Telemachus: Odysseus's son.
Circe: Goddess that turned Odysseus's crew into pigs and warned Odysseus of the Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis.
Charybdis: A monster that creates a whirlpool to destroy passing ships.
Poseidon: God of the sea; enemy of Odysseus and father of Polyphemus.
Zeus: Father of the gods; punished Odysseus's men for slaughtering Helios's cattle.
Scylla: A monster with six heads and twelve tentacles.
Sirens: Creatures that lure sailors to their death with song.
Teiresias: A blind profit in the Underworld who warns Odysseus about the future.
Athena: Goddess of wisdom; favors Odysseus and helps him on his journey.
Calypso: A nymph who keeps Odysseus captive for seven years.
Penelope: Odysseus's wife and mother of Telemachus.
Alcinous: King of the Phaeacians; listens to Odysseus's adventures.
Eurylochus: Odysseus's most loyal man at home.
Hermes: Messenger god.
Lotus Eaters: A group of people who eat a plant that causes them to forget.
Helios: God of the sun.

Literary Skills

Epic Poem: A long, narrative poem that celebrates heroic deeds and typically includes a hero who embodies the values of his culture.
Homeric (Epic) Simile: A long, elaborate comparison between two unlike things.
Epic Hero: A central character in an epic poem, usually a noble and courageous individual who undertakes a journey to accomplish a great deed.
Archetype: A model or ideal example that represents a particular kind of character.
Foil: A character who contrasts with another character, highlighting their differences and serving to emphasize the other character's qualities.

Key Themes

Loyalty: Odysseus's journey tests the loyalty of his crew and his family.
Hospitality: The importance of hospitality is emphasized in the story, as Odysseus's fate is often dependent on the kindness he receives from others.
Home: The theme of home is central to the story, as Odysseus faces numerous obstacles in his quest to return to his home.
Resilience: Odysseus faced various challenges throughout his journey, revealing his resilience.
Wisdom: Odysseus's journey, although fraught with peril, exemplifies the importance of seeking wisdom, regardless of the obstacles encountered.
Fate vs. Free Will: The story explores the conflict between fate and free will, with Odysseus often being forced to confront his own destiny.
Honour: The struggle to retain one's honour and dignity, even in the direst of circumstances, defines Odysseus's journey.
Justice: The theme of justice extends beyond personal wrongs to encompass the divine realm, as the gods often act as arbiters of justice.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key characters from Homer's epic, The Odyssey. This quiz covers important figures like Odysseus, Polyphemus, and Circe, exploring their roles and relationships in the story. Dive deep into the themes and personalities that shape this classic tale.