3.13.14+and+3.14.14

WU: Hero Definition

What character traits, actions, or decisions make a person heroic?

Do we need heroes? Why or why not?

Who are some modern heroes?

Discuss epithet homework/purpose (establish characterization, allude to important events/people, praise gods and goddesses, help audience/author remember important characters/events).

Review Bk.1:

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.

Review indirect/direct characterization:

Direct characterization: tells the reader what the character is like directly—adjectives, statements about the character’s personality

“crafty Odysseus”—we know he’s crafty

“handsome Aegisthus”—we know he’s nice looking

Indirect characterization: shows the reader things that reveal the personality of a character through his or her: speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, looks.

These are things that allow the reader to interpret the character’s personality.

“the man of twists and turns” (77)

“giant-killer Hermes” (77)

Read: Book 2--finish for homework

HW: Finish reading Bk.2, Telemachus Sketch Assignment

Telemachus Sketch Assignment:

Based on the description of Telemachus at the beginning of Book 2, sketch a quick picture of him. Be sure to include the elements of his appearance that Homer clearly describes. Then, write down four quotes from Book 2 that support your drawing. Two of these quotes must be examples of direct characterization, and two must be examples of indirect characterization. For your example of indirect characterization, include a sentence “unpacking” what we are to indirectly understand about Telemachus.