Final Exam Preparation

The Odyssey

There will be three main sections on the Odyssey portion of the exam: a short answer, a quotation identification, and an essay section. To study for the exam, read through all of your notes and assignments. Read through the following questions and think about your answers for each. For any questions that you’re not sure of, find out the answers (from your notes, from me, or from another student in the class) and write down your answer.

1. List and explain several of the main themes in The Odyssey.

2. Describe how Homer portrays each of the following characters’ personalities, roles, and goals: Penelope, Telemachus, Eumaeus, Circe, Cyclopes, Tiresias, Scylla, Antinous, Zeus, Poseidon.

3. Define the Greek terms: arete, hubris, and sophrosune and give an example of each from the epic poem. Explain how each is important to the poem as a whole.

4. What does the scene between Odysseus and the Cyclopes reveal about Odysseus' character?

5. What does Odysseus learn as he travels home and experiences trial after trial on his long journey? What does he need to learn?

6. Describe the heroic characteristics of Odysseus. Describe the characteristics that Odysseus needs to moderate.

7. Which gods and goddesses help Odysseus? How do they help him? Why do they help him?

8. Define simile. Give an example of a simile from the poem. How is Homer's use of simile important to the poem?

9. Describe the heroic characteristics of Penelope (list several). Why is Penelope important to the poem as a whole?

10. Why does Odysseus choose to fight Antinous first of all the suitors?

11. What is significant about Odysseus’ and Penelope’s bed? How is it important to the poem? What does the bed symbolize?

12. Why does Penelope take so long to realize or to accept that Odysseus has actually returned? What does this reveal about both of them?

13. Define dramatic irony. Give two examples of dramatic irony in the poem. How does Homer’s use of dramatic irony contribute to the poem?

14. When Odysseys speaks to Tiresias in Hades, Tiresias reveals that Odysseus will not remain with Penelope; he must leave again in order to meet his fate. Instead of Odysseus, Telemachus takes over the ruling of Ithaca. What does this reveal about Odysseus?

15. Does Odysseus gain sophrosune in the end? Has he successfully moderated his behavior? Is he prepared for right rule?

16. Define epithet. Give an example of an epithet. How does Homer's use of epithet contribute to the poem as a whole?

17. What is the connection between Odysseus relationship with his wife and his ability to be a good king of Ithaca?

18. How does the concept that the beautiful is the good play out in this poem?

19. How does the concept of dissoi logoi play out in this poem?

In order to prepare for section II, read the following essay prompt and start brainstorming. Next, make an outline and find quotations for your essay. You will be allowed to use one page of notes for this section of the exam.

Analyze Odysseus’ role as the hero of a classic romance. Describe his heroic characteristics, his arête, and his faults, his hubris. What does Odysseus need to learn in order to be prepared for right rule? Does he learn these lessons? Is order restored? Use specific examples and quotations from the poem to support your points.