CliffsNotes on Homer's The Odyssey

by Baldwin, Stanley P.

• ISBN13: 9780764585999
• ISBN10: 0764585991
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-06-05
• Publisher: Cliffs Notes

Summary

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.In CliffsNotes on The Odyssey, you follow along on Homer's grand adventure. This epic poem unfurls the story of Odysseus' triumph over Troy and arduous journey home to reclaim his kingdom. At 2,500 years old, it is one of the finest books ever written; as poetry, it sets the standard for comparison; and it serves as one of the foundations of the Western world's cultural heritage.This study guide carries you along on Odysseus' journey by providing summaries and critical analyses of each book. You'll also explore the life and background of the epic, Homer, and gain insight into the Homeric Question. Other features that help you study include Character analyses of major players A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters Critical essays on the literary devices and major symbols of The Odyssey A review section that tests your knowledge A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sitesClassic literature or modern modern-day treasure - you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Author Biography

Stanley P. Baldwin is a writer and teacher living in Nebraska.

Table of Contents

Life and Background of the Author	1	(3)
The Author	2	(1)
The Homeric Question	2	(1)
Date of Composition	3	(1)
Introduction to The Odyssey	4	(11)
Introduction	5	(3)
A Brief Synopsis	8	(3)
List of Characters	11	(3)
Character Map	14	(1)
Critical Commentaries	15	(57)
Athena Inspires the Prince	16	(3)
Summary	16	(1)
Commentary	16	(2)
Glossary	18	(1)
Telemachus Sets Sail	19	(3)
Summary	19	(1)
Commentary	19	(2)
Glossary	21	(1)
King Nestor Remembers	22	(3)
Summary	22	(1)
Commentary	22	(2)
Glossary	24	(1)
The King and Queen of Sparta	25	(2)
Summary	25	(1)
Commentary	25	(1)
Glossary	26	(1)
Odysseus---Nymph and Shipwreck	27	(3)
Summary	27	(1)
Commentary	27	(2)
Glossary	29	(1)
The Princess and the Stranger; Phaeacia's Halls and Gardens; A Day for Songs and Contests	30	(3)
Summary	30	(1)
Commentary	30	(2)
Glossary	32	(1)
In the One-Eyed Giant's Cave	33	(4)
Summary	33	(1)
Commentary	33	(3)
Glossary	36	(1)
The Bewitching Queen of Aeaea	37	(3)
Summary	37	(1)
Commentary	37	(2)
Glossary	39	(1)
The Kingdom of the Dead	40	(3)
Summary	40	(1)
Commentary	40	(2)
Glossary	42	(1)
The Cattle of the Sun	43	(3)
Summary	43	(1)
Commentary	43	(2)
Glossary	45	(1)
Ithaca at Last; The Loyal Swineherd	46	(3)
Summary	46	(1)
Commentary	46	(2)
Glossary	48	(1)
The Prince Sets Sail for Home; Father and Son	49	(3)
Summary	49	(1)
Commentary	49	(2)
Glossary	51	(1)
Stranger at the Gate	52	(3)
Summary	52	(1)
Commentary	52	(2)
Glossary	54	(1)
The Beggar-King at Ithaca	55	(2)
Summary	55	(1)
Commentary	55	(1)
Glossary	56	(1)
Penelope and Her Guest	57	(3)
Summary	57	(1)
Commentary	57	(2)
Glossary	59	(1)
Portents Gather	60	(2)
Summary	60	(1)
Commentary	60	(1)
Glossary	61	(1)
Odysseus Strings His Bow	62	(3)
Summary	62	(1)
Commentary	62	(2)
Glossary	64	(1)
Slaughter in the Hall	65	(3)
Summary	65	(1)
Commentary	65	(2)
Glossary	67	(1)
The Great Rooted Bed	68	(2)
Summary	68	(1)
Commentary	68	(1)
Glossary	69	(1)
Peace	70	(2)
Summary	70	(1)
Commentary	70	(1)
Glossary	71	(1)
Character Analyses	72	(7)
Odysseus	73	(1)
Penelope	74	(1)
Telemachus	75	(1)
Athena (Pallas)	76	(1)
Polyphemus (the Cyclops) and King Alcinous	77	(1)
Circe and Calypso	78	(1)
Critical Essays	79	(12)
Major Themes in The Odyssey	80	(5)
Literary Devices of The Odyssey	85	(2)
Major Symbols in The Odyssey	87	(4)
CliffsNotes Review	91	(3)
Q&A	91	(3)
CliffsNotes Resource Center	94	(5)
Films and Other Recordings	97	(2)
Index	99