Topics for Reaction Papers
Odyssey, Books 1-4
Keeping your focus on the first four books of the Odyssey, discuss how
personal or cultural identity is constructed or defined for Telemachos,
Penelope, or Odysseus. In other words, what factors define their identity:
relationships, actions, beliefs/values, associations with others, circumstances,
gender, age, etc.
Odyssey, Books 5-8
To what extent does Odysseus follow the heroic code of arete (excellence),
time (honor), and kleos (renown) in Books 5-8? How do Odysseus'
circumstances place constraints on following the heroic code? Does his
attitude to the heroic code vary in the course of these books? If so,
why?
Odyssey, Books 9-12
In light of your reading of Odyssey 9-12, consider what makes a monster
monstrous. Are there physical or spiritual characteristics that distinguish
monsters from others. How do monsters interact with others, whether monstrous
or not. How do monsters differ from (and help define) what is "normal"?
Are all who operate outside the norm monstrous (can you operate outside
the norm without being monstrous). Can a community safely ignore or tolerate
monsters?
Odyssey, Books 13-18
How do you understand Homeric society in the Odyssey? On what values
is community based? Who establishes the norm or the desirable? Are the
values of the society gender or class-linked? In particular, consider
some (or all) the following characters: Eumaios, Eurykleia, Theoklymenos,
Melanthios, Melantho, Iros, and Antinoos or Eurymachos.
Odyssey, Books 19-24
Define and discuss the varieties of story-telling within the Odyssey.
How is story-telling used to define self and manipulate others? Pay special
attention to who is telling a story and for whom.
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