HONORS ENGLISH 9 ODYSSEY ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS EXAMPREP
STUDY GUIDE
◉ In an invocation, the poet narrator starts the poem by stating
Answer: the tales subject and asking for poetic inspiration from a
guiding spirit or muse. (goddess)
◉ The narrator begins telling the tale
Answer: "in the middle of things," or en medias res, describing
what is happening after certain important events have already
occurred.
◉ the narrator includes speeches
Answer: principle characters—including gods and antagonists of
the epic hero—which reveal their personalities
◉ antagonist
Answer: a person or force in society or nature that opposes the
main character, known as the protagonist.)
◉ the narrators tone and style are
Answer: formal rather than conversational.
,◉ the use of figurative languages makes the narrative
Answer: vivid and exciting for listeners and readers.
◉ Figurative language
Answer: language used for descriptive effect, such as metaphors,
similes, personification, and is not to be taken literally. For
example, "It's raining cats and dogs" is an example of figurative
language
◉ Characteristics of epic poem
Answer: 1) It is a long, narrative poem.
2) The speaker is a narrator, telling a story.
3) The theme or subject of the tale is important and conveys a
message of significance.
4) The setting is huge. It may be a sea, a region, the world, or a
universe.
5) There is a main character, who is an epic hero.
6) The action includes extraordinary or superhuman deeds, which
may include a journey to the underworld.
7) Gods or supernatural beings take a part or an interest in the
action.
8) The purpose of an epic poem is not only to entertain, but to
teach and inspire.
◉ Character traits of odysseus
, Answer: intelligence or quick thinking), guile (trickiness or
craftiness), daring, and courage.
◉ Character flaws of odysseus
Answer: he is too curious for his own good at times, and he is
foolishly cocky (arrogant or thinking too highly of himself) at
times.
◉ some critics have interpreted the odyssey as
Answer: representing an individual's journey through life and the
search for self-knowledge
◉ Epics were not only used for entertainment, but to
Answer: convey morals and values of the society to future
generations. They were used to educate and pass on knowledge
about the world and about that society's ancestral history and
culture.
◉ en medias res
Answer: in the middle of things
◉ How does the story begin
Answer: Odysseus is at the end of his 10-year journey home (he
has been gone a total of 20 years), and he has landed on the island
of the Phaeacians. King Alcinous asks Odysseus what has
happened to him, and he tells the king the story of his 10 years
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS EXAMPREP
STUDY GUIDE
◉ In an invocation, the poet narrator starts the poem by stating
Answer: the tales subject and asking for poetic inspiration from a
guiding spirit or muse. (goddess)
◉ The narrator begins telling the tale
Answer: "in the middle of things," or en medias res, describing
what is happening after certain important events have already
occurred.
◉ the narrator includes speeches
Answer: principle characters—including gods and antagonists of
the epic hero—which reveal their personalities
◉ antagonist
Answer: a person or force in society or nature that opposes the
main character, known as the protagonist.)
◉ the narrators tone and style are
Answer: formal rather than conversational.
,◉ the use of figurative languages makes the narrative
Answer: vivid and exciting for listeners and readers.
◉ Figurative language
Answer: language used for descriptive effect, such as metaphors,
similes, personification, and is not to be taken literally. For
example, "It's raining cats and dogs" is an example of figurative
language
◉ Characteristics of epic poem
Answer: 1) It is a long, narrative poem.
2) The speaker is a narrator, telling a story.
3) The theme or subject of the tale is important and conveys a
message of significance.
4) The setting is huge. It may be a sea, a region, the world, or a
universe.
5) There is a main character, who is an epic hero.
6) The action includes extraordinary or superhuman deeds, which
may include a journey to the underworld.
7) Gods or supernatural beings take a part or an interest in the
action.
8) The purpose of an epic poem is not only to entertain, but to
teach and inspire.
◉ Character traits of odysseus
, Answer: intelligence or quick thinking), guile (trickiness or
craftiness), daring, and courage.
◉ Character flaws of odysseus
Answer: he is too curious for his own good at times, and he is
foolishly cocky (arrogant or thinking too highly of himself) at
times.
◉ some critics have interpreted the odyssey as
Answer: representing an individual's journey through life and the
search for self-knowledge
◉ Epics were not only used for entertainment, but to
Answer: convey morals and values of the society to future
generations. They were used to educate and pass on knowledge
about the world and about that society's ancestral history and
culture.
◉ en medias res
Answer: in the middle of things
◉ How does the story begin
Answer: Odysseus is at the end of his 10-year journey home (he
has been gone a total of 20 years), and he has landed on the island
of the Phaeacians. King Alcinous asks Odysseus what has
happened to him, and he tells the king the story of his 10 years
