Aim: How does Odysseus establish his authority as an epic hero in the episode of “The Challenge” and “Odysseus’ Revenge?”
Do Now:
The Ancient Greeks viewed revenge as a form of social justice. They believed that if a horrid wrongdoing was done upon them, they had the right to return the favor; in whatever means they found just. The Greek values greatly resembled the Hammurabi Code of Law for Justice: “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” mentality, meaning that whatever crime the perpetrator committed, the punishment brought upon him should be equal or fitting of the crime.
1) How does this compare to the way our society views revenge today?
2) How does it compare to the way that you view revenge?
The class all agreed on how society sees revenge today. We are a lot more forgiving compared to how the Ancient Greeks would carry our punishments and revenge. The Ancient Greeks followed the concept of “and eye for an eye” while modern day society looks for forgiveness rather than revenge. The Ancient Greeks were a lot more harsh when they dealt with crime while society today is more forgiving. However, revenge still happens in society today as “revenge is the best medicine.
Words to know:
implacable (adj): unrelenting, stubborn; impossible to calm or appease. quiver (n): a portable case for holding arrows
entrails (n –pl): internal organs, the intestines; within
We read “The Challenge” [2 pages] and “Odysseus’ Revenge” [4 pages] for homework prior to this lesson and went ahead to the whole class discussion.
Whole Class Discussion:
“But the man skilled in all ways of contending, satisfied by the great bow’s look and heft, like a musician, like a harper, when he draws with quiet hand upon his instrument he draws between his thumb and forefinger a sweet new string upon a peg; so effortlessly Odysseus in one motion strung the bow. Then slid his right hand down the cord and plucked it, so the taut gut vibrating hummed and sang a swallows note” (Homer 1370-1379).
What epic simile is created in the lines above, from “The Challenge”? Explain the comparison.
The epic simile that is created in the lines above is comparing Odysseus’ skill using the bow to an expert harp player.
Which of Odysseus’ qualities are being highlighted here? a. How is Homer presenting Odysseus to the audience ?
His best qualities are his ability to string the bow and use it. Homer is presenting Odysseus to the audience as being elegant and talented.
We watched a video Acting The Odyssey 1997 (Odysseus’ Revenge) [9:18] and were given another video about justice and vengeance that we can watch after class Law and Justice - Justice and Vengeance: Homer - 3.5 Debate: Revenge in Justice? [3:10]
Odysseus’ Revenge in Art
Analyze both paintings depicting Odysseus killing the suitors. Do you believe the artists accurately depicted Odysseus’ attack on the suitors? Would you evaluate this to be a “fair” fight-- why or why not?
Our class did not come to an agreement whether this was a fair fight or not. I don’t agree that this was a fair fight because not everyone had weapons. The artists did accurately depict his attack.
Teamwork
Why does Odysseus invoke Apollo in line 1411?
Odysseus invoked Apollo, the god of archery, hoping that he would be on his side.
In the episode of "Odysseus' Revenge,“ who is the first to die? Describe the immediate
reaction of the suitors to this initial killing.
Antinous was the first to die as he was the one leading the suitors, causing them to be outraged.
What argument does Eurymachus use to try to persuade Odysseus to spare him and the
others?
Eurymachus tries to persuade Odysseus by putting all the blame on Antinous.
What three crimes of the Suitors does Odysseus mention when he begins the slaughter
(lines 1438-1444)?
The three crimes of the suitors that Odysseus mentions when they were beginning the slaughter are ignoring the power of god, trampling into his home, and trying to steal his wife.
Why do you believe Odysseus denies Eurymachus’ request to provide restitution for all
they have consumed, and then some (lines 1467-1473)?
Odysseus denies his request to provide restitution because what they had to offer were only goods and couldn’t repair the stress and trauma that his family experienced.
List at least two images/examples of figurative language that help you picture some of the most tense or most horrifying moments in the battle. Include line references!
“Backward and down he went, letting the wine cup fall from his shocked hand. Likes pipes his nostrils jetted crimson runnels, a river of mortal red, and one last kick upset his table knocking the bread and meat to soak in dusty blood.” (Lines 1421-1425)
But the kingly man let fly an arrow at that instant, and the quivering feathered butt sprang to the nipple of his breast as the barb stuck in his liver. The bright broadsword clanged down. He lurched and fell aside, pitching across his table. His cup, his breast and meat, were split and scattered far and wide, and his head slammed on the ground.” (Lines 1486- 1412)
Odysseus is described as "implacable" in the revenge episode. Is he justified in killing all of the suitors? Why or why not?
He was not justified in killing all the suitors because it was too harsh.
Enrichments
What Is Justice?: Crash Course Philosophy #40 [10:15]
Is Revenge More Bitter Than Sweet? [4:01]
The Odyssey by Homer | Books 17-18 Summary and Analysis [2:58]
The Odyssey by Homer | Books 19-20 Summary [3:04]and Analysis
The Odyssey by Homer | Book 21 Summary and Analysis [2:21]
The Odyssey by Homer | Book 22 Summary and Analysis [1:58]
Aim: How does Penelope’s test for Odysseus establish their fidelity toward each other while finally providing closure for Odysseus and his journey?
The class discussed that Eliot is trying to say that gaining something means sacrificing another. In a journey, lessons must be learned and experiences will be gained.
Reflection:
In these two lessons, I’ve learned more about revenge and fidelity. I learned that revenge is viewed a lot differently than it was during the time of the Ancient Greeks. Revenge in the Ancient Greeks was a form of justice and peace, while revenge is disapproved of by today's society. Instead of getting revenge, we are expected to mature and forgive. Fidelity is being loyal and having faith in a person. Odysseus shows his fidelity to his wife throughout his time being away. During his journey, he stayed loyal to her. These are useful because it teaches us that revenge isn’t always the “right” answer, being forgiving is usually the better option. It shows that it is good to always stay loyal to the people you care about. These can both higher our morals and teach us to make better decisions in the future when it comes to it.
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