Literary Analysis - LanguageArts-NHS

literary analysis: characteristics of an epicIn the simplest terms, an epic is a long adventure story. Anepic plot spans many years and involves a long journey. Often,the fate of an entire nation is at stake. An epic setting spansgreat distances and foreign lands. Epic themes reflect timelessconcerns, such as courage, honor, life, and death.Epics also contain archetypes, or patterns found in worksacross different cultures and time periods. As explained inPart 1, the epic hero is an archetype. So is the notion of a heroicjourney. Other archetypes are also found in the Odyssey.• intervention by gods• floods and storms• descent into the underworld• heroic battles against monstersAs you read the second part of the Odyssey, look for theseand other archetypes. Consider where else you might haveencountered them in literature, art, or film.reading strategy: summarizingWriting a plot summary—a brief retelling of a story—is a goodway to make sure you’re following the events of a narrative.An epic consists of many episodes, each with its own setof characters, conflicts, and resolution. As you read, recordinformation that will help you summarize each episode.Episode: Father and SonCharacters: Odysseus, EumaeusConflict:Setting: Odysseus’ homelandof IthacaResolution:OverviewBook 16: Father and Son Sent safely on hisway by King Alcinous, Odysseus reachesIthaca. The goddess Athena disguises him asan old man so that he may surprise the evilsuitors who are courting his wife, Penelope.Odysseus greets Eumaeus, his faithfulswineherd, and Telemachus, his own son,returned home after many years abroad.Book 17: The Beggar and the ManorDisguised as a beggar, Odysseus returnsto his home.Book 21: The Test of the Bow Notrecognizing the beggar as her husband,and weary from grief and waiting, Penelopeproposes an archery contest to the suitors,with marriage to her as the prize. Stilldisguised as an old man, Odysseus beatsthem all in the contest.Book 22: Death in the Great Hall WithTelemachus and Eumaeus at his side,Odysseus sheds his disguise and does battlewith the suitors, showing them no mercy.Book 23: The Trunk of the Olive TreeHardened by years of waiting, Penelopeis not convinced that this man is reallyher husband. She tests him, playing atrick that only Odysseus would recognize.Odysseus passes the test, and husbandand wife are reunited.vocabulary in contextReplace the words in bold with synonyms from the word list.wordlistadversityaloofcommandeercontemptibledesolationimplacablerestitutionrevelryrevulsiontremulous1. It’s disgusting to be shaky in the face of hardship.2. He felt an unforgiving hatred for his captors.3. Don’t act distant; forget sorrow and join the celebration!4. He could seize enemy ships as repayment for wrongs.Penelope weaving at her loom.the homecoming 1141