1.10.13+and+1.11.13

WU: Muse

What is your muse (something or someone that inspires you to be creative), what does he/she/it inspire you to do, and why is he/she/it so inspiring?


 * Vocabulary: Please add these to you page of vocabulary just for //The Odyssey//. **


 * Denotation: ** The literal meaning of a word.


 * Connotation: ** The figurative or “emotional” meaning that a word suggests or implies. The connotation of a word is influenced by culture and context.

Ex.: stop sign, brother/sister, bacon


 * Epithet: ** A term used to describe, or replace, a person’s name and expand upon his or her character.

Read: Book 1 of //The Odyssey// Main events:
 * We learn that Athena supports Odysseus, and she appeals to Zeus for help. Zeus agrees with Athena's reasons for supporting Odysseus (he shows loyalty to the gods and his family, and he demonstrated his courage and cunning traits during the Trojan War).
 * Zeus sends Hermes to tell Calypso to free Odysseus. He's been trapped on her island for seven years hoping to make him her husband.
 * Meanwhile, Athena goes to Ithaca to inspire Telemachus to fill his father's shoes and make some changes. Odysseus' home in Ithaca is overrun with men who want to marry his mother, Penelope. For some time now, these men, led by Antinous, have taken over their home, eating and drinking, carousing, and failing to show Odysseus (or even his memory) respect. Telemachus is fed up, and when Athena (disguised as Mentes, an old friend of Odysseus') shows up, he welcomes her in, shows her the utmost respect, and asks against hope for news of his father. Athena does give him the information he wants exactly, but prompts him to call an assembly in Ithaca the next morning to "tell off" the suitors for their behavior, and announce his intent to go in search of news of his father in Pylos and Sparta. Athena tells him to look for a year before giving up and if a year passes with no news of his father, he should give him the burial rites and mark a grave, marry off is mother, and move on. Either way, she reassures him that he is his father's son in character, and that he's grown enough to take control of his home.
 * Penelope hears a bard singing of the heros of Troy. She comes from her room and asks for tale that will not be as sad. Telemachus, with his newfound strength and sense of manliness orders her to return to her room as he's the "man of the house". Surprised, she does as told and cries herself to sleep thinking of her lost husband.
 * Athena "flies off" like a bird, making Telemachus suspect he's being supported by the gods. He goes to bed with hope for the following day.

Discuss Homeric Epithets

HW: Epithet Assignment--due Monday. Be done and ready to discuss!