Odyssey Vocab Practice

What does archetype mean?

• A starting model that is developed fully throughout literary work

• Takes one characteristic and applies it to an entire group of people

• Tragic flaw that leads to catastrophe for the hero. (Odysseus' is hubris)

Answer explanation

An archetype is a starting model that serves as a prototype in literature, which is then developed and explored throughout the work. This distinguishes it from stereotypes or specific traits that apply to groups.

What does stereotype mean?

• Tragic flaw that leads to catastrophe for the hero. (Odysseus' is hubris)

• A starting model that is developed throughout literary work

• Takes one characteristic and applies it to an entire group of people

Answer explanation

A stereotype is a generalized belief that takes one characteristic and applies it to an entire group of people, often leading to oversimplified and inaccurate perceptions.

What does hemartia mean?

• Takes one characteristic and applies it to an entire group of people

• Tragic flaw that leads to catastrophe for the hero. (Odysseus' is hubris)

• A starting model that is developed throughout literary work

Answer explanation

Hemartia refers to a tragic flaw in a hero that leads to their downfall, exemplified by Odysseus' hubris. This choice correctly identifies the concept as it relates to tragedy in literature.

What does Kleos mean?

• Reputation of glory + honor on the battlefield

• A longing for home or a homecoming

• Excessive pride/agony

• The sacred rules of hospitality - Zeus' commandments

Answer explanation

Kleos refers to the reputation gained through glory and honor achieved on the battlefield. It emphasizes the importance of legacy and how one's deeds are remembered, making the first choice the correct answer.

What does Nostos mean?

• Excessive pride/agony

• An extreme ability in mental strategy or intellectual capacity. The ability to beat a stranger, more powerful enemy w/ your brain

• A longing for home or a homecoming

• Reputation of glory + honor on the battlefield

Answer explanation

Nostos is a Greek term that signifies a deep longing for home or the act of returning home, often associated with themes of nostalgia and the emotional journey of coming back to one's roots.

What does Metis mean?

• Typical of male-dominated societies and ancient literature. A form of an ancient last name - a specialized form of epithet

• An extreme ability in mental strategy or intellectual capacity. The ability to beat a stranger, more powerful enemy w/ your brain

• Excessive pride/agony

• The sacred rules of hospitality - Zeus' commandments

Answer explanation

Metis refers to an extreme ability in mental strategy or intellectual capacity, emphasizing the skill to outsmart a stronger opponent, which aligns with the correct answer choice.

What does Xenia mean?

• A longing for home or a homecoming

• Excessive pride/agony

• The sacred rules of hospitality - Zeus' commandments

• Reputation of glory + honor on the battlefield

Answer explanation

Xenia refers to the sacred rules of hospitality, which were considered commandments from Zeus in ancient Greek culture. This concept emphasized the importance of treating guests with respect and generosity.

What does Hubris mean?

• Reputation of glory + honor on the battlefield

• An extreme ability in mental strategy or intellectual capacity. The ability to beat a stranger, more powerful enemy w/ your brain

• Excessive pride/agony

• Typical of male-dominated societies and ancient literature. A form of an ancient last name - a specialized form of epithet

Answer explanation

Hubris refers to excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall. It is a common theme in literature, especially in ancient texts, where characters exhibit hubris before facing consequences.

What does Patronym mean?

• Typical of male-dominated societies and ancient literature. A form of an ancient last name - a specialized form of epithet

• Excessive pride/agony

• A longing for home or a homecoming

• An extreme ability in mental strategy or intellectual capacity. The ability to beat a stranger, more powerful enemy w/ your brain

Answer explanation

Patronym refers to a naming system typical of male-dominated societies, where a person's last name is derived from their father's name, often seen in ancient literature as a specialized form of epithet.

What does Epic setting mean?

• Includes Fantastic lands or involves more than one nation or culture

• A longing for home or a homecoming

• Reputation of glory + honor on the battlefield

• The sacred rules of hospitality - Zeus' commandments

Answer explanation

Epic setting refers to narratives that include fantastic lands or involve multiple nations or cultures, emphasizing grand themes and diverse backgrounds, making the correct choice the one that highlights these elements.