University:
Georgia Southern University
Course:
ENGL 2111 | World Literature I
Academic year:

2024
Views:

306

Pages:

4
Author:

Jalen W.

Read the following pages in The Odyssey. Answer the questions below as you read. The Odyssey Books VII and Book VIII As you read Books Seven and Eight, think about xenia, the Greek religious duty of hospitality that governs how host and guest should act. Book Seven How is Odysseus able to pass through the town without being seen? Who leads Odysseus to the palace of Alkinoos? What was the relationship between Alkinoos and Arete before they were married? How is the palace of Alkinoos described? What building materials are used, and what does that let us and Odysseus know? What is unique and strange about the orchard of Alkinoos? After entering the hall and making his speech, where does Odysseus sit to await the king's word? Who tells Alkinoos to give Odysseus supper? How is this man described? Where does Alkinoos seat Odysseus, and what is implied by this act? After the guests leave, what does Queen Arete ask Odysseus? She already knows the answer, so why does she ask this question? When Alkinoos says that Nausikaa should have brought Odysseus directly to him, what does Odysseus say? What does Alkinoos offer Odysseus toward the end of Book Seven? Did this offer surprise you? Why or why not? What does this offer tell us about Odysseus's ability to make a first impression? Odysseus sleeps in the palace this night. Where did he sleep the night before? In Book Seven, do you think Alkinoos acts as a good host? Why or why not? In Book Seven, do you think Odysseus acts as a good guest? Why or why not? Reading Guide for The Odyssey Book VIII How does Athena make Odysseus look more impressive to the Phaiakians? What kind of animals and how many of them does Alkinoos sacrifice for a feast to honor Odysseus? What is the name of the minstrel, the singing storyteller? What is the subject of his first song in Book 8? How does Odysseus react when he hears the song? Why do you think he reacts this way? At first, Odysseus refuses to participate in the athletic contest. Why might he refuse? Who insults him for refusing, and what is the insult? Odysseus answers the insult by saying that men may be gifted in two different ways. What are they? What physical act does Odysseus perform to show his athletic ability? At what skill does Odysseus boast he is the best living man? Demodokos sings of an affair involving which gods? Alkinoos tells the princes of the land to give what gifts to Odysseus? What thing of his own does he add? When Nausikaa asks Odysseus to remember her, what does he say he will do once he is home? To whom does Odysseus give part of his own share of pork? What compliment does he pay this man and those of his profession? What song does Odysseus request after dinner? How does he react to it? Why do you think he reacts this way?