Key Characters and Themes in The Odyssey

Key Characters in The Odyssey

• Odysseus: The main character, known for his intelligence and courage.
• Telemachus: Odysseus' son, supporting his father's return home.
• Penelope: Odysseus' wife, remaining faithful to him during his absence.
• Antinous: A leading suitor, arrogant and disrespectful.
• Eurymachus: Another suitor, attempting to plead for his life.
• Amphinomus: A suitor, showing reluctance about the situation.

Key Themes in The Odyssey

• Revenge: Odysseus seeks retribution against the suitors.
• Justice: The suitors' actions are presented as deserving of consequences.
• Xenia (Guest Hospitality): The suitors violate this important Greek custom.

Important Terms

• Xenia: Greek concept of hospitality and respect for guests.
• In Media Res: Narrative beginning in the middle of the action.
• Deus Ex Machina: Plot device involving a sudden, unexpected intervention.
• Epithet: A descriptive phrase highlighting a character's quality (e.g., "wily Odysseus").
• Metaphor: Figure of speech comparing unlike things (tenor, vehicle, ground).
  • Tenor: The object being described.
  • Vehicle: The object used to describe the other.
  • Ground: The connection between the two.

Structure of a Narrative (Aristotle)

• Exposition: Introduction of characters and setting.
• Rising Action: Conflict development.
• Climax: Turning point of the story.
• Falling Action: Events leading to resolution.
• Resolution: Conclusion of the story.

Epic Elements (Aristotle's Definition)

• Plot: The sequence of events.
• Character: The people involved.
• Thought: The ideas and values.
• Diction: The language used.
• Song: The poetic expression.
• Spectacle: The visual elements.

Key Quotations in The Odyssey

• Odysseus on Revenge: "You'll all die... It’s nothing less than you deserve." (Expressing justified anger and retribution)
• Eurymachus's Plea: "Spare us, Odysseus, you've killed the worst of us." (Attempting to beg for mercy.)

Interesting Vocabulary

• Diminutive: Small.
• Plummeting: Falling rapidly.
• Clamour: Loud noise.
• Parry: To deflect something.
• Concord: Peace or harmony.

Writing Strategies

• Thesis Statements: Clear statements answering questions directly.
• Combining Sentences: Using subordinating conjunctions for complex sentences.
• Character Analysis: Supporting claims with quotes and examples.
• Subordinating Conjunctions: Linking words connecting clauses.

Creative Writing Tips

• Element Order: Consider impact and logical progression when retelling myths.
• Sentence Variety: Use different sentence structures for engagement.
• 3-Word Sentence: Definition: A sentence with three words conveying a complete thought. Example: "The Cyclops screamed."
• Comma Sandwich: A sentence structure with additional information surrounded by commas. Example:"Odysseus, clever and resourceful, devised a plan to escape the giant."
• Sentence Beginning with an Adverb: Sentence starting with an adverb detailing the action. Example: "Stealthily, Odysseus approached the sleeping Cyclops."
• "More, More, More" Sentence: Sentence building on an idea using repetition to emphasize increase. Example:"The more Odysseus plotted, the more anxious he felt."
• Sentence Including Speech: Sentence containing characters' dialogue. Example: ""You will regret this, Cyclops!" Odysseus yelled as he struck the giant's eye."