Bk. 5: Notice Odusseys' posture when we first see him, and his
first speeches in this book.
When Odysseus identifies himself to his new hosts in Bk. 7 (pp.
118 f.) what does he leave out?
Like Penelope, Odysseus cries at heroic singing in Bk. 8. Why?
On the story of the Cyclops in Bk. 9, follow the role of giving
one's name, giving a false name; what is a name to a Greek hero?
Consider the characterization of the crew, especially in contrast to
Odysseus in such episodes as Aiolos and Kirke in Bk. 10.
Book 11 is our first example (but not the first, see
Gilgamesh) of a tradition of epic heroes visiting the underworld in
quest of some information or magic device. (The traditional theme also
appears in Bk. 24, of course, andAeneid 6 will be a
stunning example). Observe the geography, such as it is, and the
eschatology (the logic governing what the dead suffer and can do,
noticing especially Teiresias, who in certain respects constitutes an
exception to the general rule).
