1. Due Wednesday, 10/7

1. Consider all of Odysseus' problesms and his reactions and his actions regarding them. Also, consider the decisions he makes regarding himself and his crew with the Laestrygonians, lotus eaters, Polyphemus, Aeolus, and Circe. In your opinion, who is responsible for all of Odysseus' troubles? Why? Reference at least one specific situation in your answer.

6. Book 8 - Due Friday, 10/2

6.   Alcinous keeps asking Odysseus for his story. He says, “Where have your rovings foced you? What lands of men have you seen, what sturdy towns, what men themselves? Who were wild, savage, lawless? Who were friendly to strangers, god-fearing men? Tell me …(641-648). Why is Odysseus’ story actually important? Remember, Odysseus already gave a quick recounting of what happened to him. Why does Alcinous want details? How does this relate to his own generosity in lines 265-287?

5. Book 8, Due Friday, 10/2

5.   Lines 430-512 narrate many of the gives Odysseus will take away from Phaeacia. Nausicaa’s response is “a winning flight of words”, that Odysseus should “remember me at times. Mainly to me you owe the gift of life” (516-520). Odysseus leaves with goods, but he also leaves with a burden. Which is greater (bigger, grander), the good or the burden? Why? Consider lines 520-525.

4. Book 8 - Due Friday, 10/2

4. Athena previously shielded Odysseus from “any swaggering islander who’d cross his path, provoke him with taunts and search out who he was” (7.18-20). Describe what happens in lines 145-259). Why is this whole sequence of events significant? Consider that Athena did not prevent the contest this time.

3. Book 8 - Due Friday, 10/2

3. The bard Demodocus (pp. 193-195) is thought to be most like Homer -- that Homer created this bard with himself in mind. What similarities/differences can you see between Demodocus and Homer? Look at your Homer sheet as necessary. Use specific line references/quotations from book 8.

2.Book 8 Due Friday, 10/2

2. Alcinous, even before he has heard Odysseus’ story, has promised him passage home, saying, “no one, I tell you, no one who come to my house will languish long here …” What is at stake for Alcinous?

1.Book 8 Due Friday, 10/2

1. Choe's favorite lines:

"Great Odysseus melted into tears, running down from his eyes to wet his cheeks ... as a woman weeps, her arms flung round her darling husband ..." (8.585-588)

Sigh. Such gender-normative language.


"Nausithous use to say that lord Poseidon was vexed with us because we escorted all mankind and never came to grief. He said that one day, as a well-build ship of ours sailed home on the misty sea from such a convoy, the god would crush us ..." (632-637).

Oops. Guess what'll happen. Oh, Odysseus.

Commenting Changes

Oh. Hello again. Again.

I'm trying a new comment widget on Blogger. You can choose to log in with your school Google account, or just post as a guest (which is what I recommend). However, posting as a guest became a little trickier. I do trust in your ability to find it though, you tech-savvy young-uns.

1. Type your amazing comment into the provided comment box.
2. Click in the "Name" box and type your name.
3. For e-mail, use your school e-mail address.
4. Check "I'd rather post as guest"
5. Done.

I suppose you could sign up for Disqus, but why?

Hopefully, this eliminates all of the dropped comments. Plus, I suppose it's ... prettier? Bubblier, at least. E-mail me if you still run into problems, please.

5. Due 9/29

5. Consider Book 6 as a whole in the context of the view of women and gender roles in society. Include discussion of lines 300-320 and the idea of acting for an audience/according to expectations. Any connections to current society?

4. Due 9/29

4. What rhetorical strategies does Odysseus use to get what he wants from Nausicaa? How does he manipulate her? Consider the Greek custom of hospitality (xenia) (5.161-270)