Background+Notes+for+Odyssey


 * Characteristics of the Epic**

--books contain scenes of arrivals and departures --there is at least one sacrifice --there will be some fighting --specific abuse will be directed towards Odysseus
 * Patterns in the Odyssey (noted in your reading on Homer)**

--guest will receive a parting gift --Don't ask questions until the guest states his needs --You must offer your guest food, drink, and a bath
 * Define Terms**
 * //kleos//**~ renown or glory that passes from father to son
 * //xenia//**~ hospitality (3 rules)
 * //in media res//**~ Latin for "in the middle of"
 * suitor**~ a man looking for marrage
 * meter**~ a rythmic pattern of speech, marked by metrical "feet." You can hear meter. Consider the sound of Dr. Suess, for example. He wrote in a recurring meter.


 * What is the oral tradition? What are people who offered up the tradition called?**--a tradition of passing down stories through story-telling. The story tellers were called muses, bards, or minstrals.


 * Story of Agamemnon**
 * Name of poet/bard recognized as author of Odyssey:** HOMER