1. What does the Odyssey give greater weight? Cite folklore motifs to support your answer.

2. What does the meeting of the assembly at Ithaca illustrate? What political organization is featured?

3. Why does not Telemachus become king of Ithaca? Why does not Laertes, Father of Oddyseus, come out of retirement to take over the reins of government and save Penelope from all her difficulties with the suitors?

4. Throughout the Odyssey, Homer contrasts the legend about the coming of Agamemnon with the story of Odysseus. What could be his purpose?

5. What transformation has taken place in the values and outlooks of the heroes of the Trojan war as manifested by Menelaus and his wife Helen?

6. In what way is Odysseus different from the typical epic hero? In your opinion, can he be considered the first “modern man”?

7. How can you interpret the wanderings and adventures of Odysseus in the year after the fall of Troy?

8. Describe the land of the Phaecians. What does it symbolize? What do Achaians and Arete idolize?

Books 7-12

1. What does the raid on Cicone city of Ismaurus by Odysseus and his men demonstrate?

2. What can you associate with the lotus plant? Why do those who eat it quickly lose all memory?

3. What does the episode with the cyclops Polyphemus symbolize?

4. What does the crew of Odysseus symbolize in the episode of the bay of the winds given by Aeolus? What lesson is important?

5. What motif in European folklore is common and similar with Odysseus encounter with Circe? Can you think of a folktale that is familiar variant of the episode?

6. What other stories in Greek mythology parallels the visit of Odysseus to Hades? How do you regard this episode?

7. How do you view Odysseus? Encounter with the Sirens? What kind of test did he undergo?

8. Compare/ contrast the obstacles that Odysseus and his crew encountered on the island of the sirens and seylla and Charybdis. What kind of test did Odysseus master in Seylla and Charybdis?

How would you like us to help you with this assignment?

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What's your name i'll give you a 0.

Reading the book will give you those answers. By the way, you will enjoy the book.... it is an adventure about how a young man matures and becomes a hero.

For further help, use this site. If you need further help, AFTER YOU HAVE DONE THE WORK, please repost.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/odyssey/

To answer these questions, you can follow these steps:

1. Read the Odyssey: To understand what the Odyssey gives greater weight, read the epic poem "The Odyssey" written by Homer. Analyze the different themes and motifs present in the text.

2. Study folklore motifs: Look for specific folklore motifs in "The Odyssey" that support your answer. These can include the hero's journey, supernatural elements, tests and trials, or the concept of fate and destiny.

3. Read about the meeting of the assembly at Ithaca: Review the sections of "The Odyssey" where the assembly at Ithaca is described. Analyze the events and interactions to understand what it illustrates about the political organization featured.

4. Consider the reasons why Telemachus does not become king of Ithaca: Examine the plot and character development of Telemachus in "The Odyssey" to understand why he does not become king. Look for passages or conversations that shed light on this topic.

5. Explore why Laertes does not come out of retirement: Analyze the character of Laertes and his role in the story to understand why he does not come out of retirement to save Penelope. Look for references to Laertes' retirement or any conversations that explain his decision.

6. Compare the legends of Agamemnon and Odysseus: Study the sections in "The Odyssey" that contrast the legends of Agamemnon and Odysseus. Analyze the purpose behind Homer's comparison and look for any passages that explain his intent.

7. Analyze the transformation in values and outlooks: Examine the character development of Menelaus and Helen in "The Odyssey" to understand the transformation in their values and outlooks. Look for conversations, actions, or events that demonstrate this change.

8. Assess the differences in Odysseus as an epic hero: Compare the characteristics of Odysseus to the typical attributes of an epic hero. Consider how his actions, motivations, and personality differ. Formulate your opinion on whether Odysseus can be considered the first "modern man" based on these differences.

9. Interpret Odysseus' wanderings and adventures: Interpret the events and experiences of Odysseus during the year after the fall of Troy. Analyze the symbolism and underlying meanings behind his wanderings and adventures. Look for passages that provide clues to their interpretation.

10. Describe the land of the Phaecians: Study the descriptions of the land of the Phaecians in "The Odyssey" and analyze its symbolism. Look for passages that explain its significance and the idols of the Achaians and Arete.

11. Analyze the raid on Cicone city of Ismaurus: Examine the episode in "The Odyssey" where Odysseus and his men raid the Cicone city of Ismaurus. Analyze what this event demonstrates about Odysseus and his men.

12. Research the lotus plant: Explore references to the lotus plant in "The Odyssey" and associated mythological sources. Understand why eating the lotus makes individuals lose their memory.

13. Interpret the episode with the cyclops Polyphemus: Analyze the events and symbolism in the episode with the cyclops Polyphemus. Consider what the character of Polyphemus represents and the lessons conveyed through this encounter.

14. Study the crew of Odysseus in the episode of the bay of the winds: Examine the crew of Odysseus and their role in the episode of the bay of the winds given by Aeolus. Analyze what they symbolize and the important lesson conveyed in this episode.

15. Find motifs in European folklore similar to the encounter with Circe: Explore European folklore for motifs or tales that share similarities with Odysseus' encounter with Circe. Look for variations of this episode to draw comparisons.

16. Identify other stories in Greek mythology parallel to Odysseus' visit to Hades: Research Greek mythology for stories that parallel Odysseus' visit to Hades. Consider the significance of this episode and its relation to other myths.

17. Review Odysseus' encounter with the Sirens: Analyze Odysseus' encounter with the Sirens in "The Odyssey" to understand his motivations, actions, and the test he undergoes. Consider the challenges and temptations he faces and how he overcomes them.

18. Compare and contrast the obstacles in the island of the sirens and Scylla and Charybdis: Compare and contrast the obstacles encountered by Odysseus and his crew on the island of the Sirens and Scylla and Charybdis. Analyze the tests Odysseus must master in each situation and the lessons conveyed.