From the Odyssey, Part One Introducing the Selection What difference can a journey make in a person’s life?

from the Odyssey, Part OneIntroducing the Selection

What difference can a journey make in a person’s life?

from the Odyssey, Part One Introducing the Selection

The Odyssey is a tale of a hero’s long and dangerous journey home.

It is also the story of a son in need of his father and of a faithful wife awaiting her husband’s return.

When we first meet Odysseus, he is a prisoner on the goddess Calypso’s island.

from the Odyssey, Part One Introducing the Selection

Zeus sends his messenger, Hermes, to set Odysseus free, and the adventure begins.

What does the angry Poseidon, god of the sea, have in store for our hero?

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An epic hero is larger than life, more impressive than an ordinary human being. An epic hero usually has these character traits:

from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Skills Focus: Epic Heroes and Conflict

• uncommon strength

• exceptional knowledge

• cunning (cleverness)

• courage

• daring

On the journey, the hero encounters challenges and dangers.

from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Skills Focus: Epic Heroes and Conflict

The hero experiences conflict as he or she faces forces of nature, gods, and other beings who help or prevent the hero’s progress.

from the Odyssey, Part One Literary Skills Focus: Epic Heroes and Conflict

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As you read the Odyssey, think about

• the conflicts Odysseus faces

• how he overcomes these conflicts

• the decisions and actions that make him a hero

When you draw conclusions, you sift through all the details in a narrative to make connections and form an opinion.

Acting as a detective, you must look closely at the text and analyze evidence to support your opinion.

from the Odyssey, Part One Reading Skills Focus: Monitoring Your Comprehension

Find It in Your Reading

from the Odyssey, Part OneWriting Skills Focus: Think as a Reader/Writer

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As you read, write down what you learn about the kind of behavior admired by the ancient Greeks.

The Odyssey was used to teach values: What values do you think are demonstrated in this part of the story?

from the Odyssey, Part One Vocabulary

adversity n.: hardship; great misfortune.

profusion n.: large supply; abundance.

adversary n.: enemy; opponent.

formidable adj.: awe-inspiring by reason of excellence; strikingly impressive.

tumult n.: commotion; uproar; confusion.