The Odyssey Background

Why was the Odyssey composed for listeners rather than readers?

• It was composed before the Greek alphabet was created.

• There were not a lot of educated people who could read.

• The author lost his hands in battle and could not write the poem down.

Which of the following is false information about Homer?

• He was blind.

• He may not have been a living person, but merely a legend.

• The poems attributed to him seem to be changed and rearranged multiple times.

• He knew Odysseus personally.

Why are these poets called rhapsodes?

• They create rhapsodies with words.

• They stitch together all these pieces into one work of poetry.

• They would often have rap battles that ended in episodes of death.

• They were Greek epic heroes.

What word is used to describe a person who feels superior to the gods?

• Hubris

• Attitude

• Xenia

• Epic hero

Why was it important to treat guests with the utmost hospitality?

• The Greeks did not want to upset the Gods with poor manners.

• The Greeks did not like confrontation and wanted to be nice to everyone.

• The Greeks did not know if the stranger was a Greek God in disguise.

What is xenia?

• The idea of being kind to everyone.

• The idea of being a good wanderer rather than a host.

• The concept of being a good host to all who wander.

What does "in medias res" mean?

• In the middle of things

• A journey of ten years

The primary conflict in The Odyssey is:

• Odysseus's struggles to return home.

• The Trojan War

• Fighting between the gods

• Odysseus being unfaithful to his wife.

How many books are in the The Odyssey? (Don't worry - we aren't reading ALL of them!)

• 24

• 12

• 5

• 30