Odyssey Part 1 Summary

The Travels of Odysseus

The Travels of Odysseus employs the theme of travel to explore the Odyssey and its contexts. After an introductory chapter, Chapter 2 provides analysis of the “wanderings” or Apologos of Odysseus, Chapter 3 explores the “lying tales” told by Odysseus in disguise upon his return to Ithaca, and Chapter 44 discusses a variety of stories about Odysseus leaving Ithaca again (including Teiresias' prediction of an “inland journey” and the Telegony of the Epic Cycle). The introductory chapter explores various contexts of Odysseus' travels: the Epic Cycle (notably the Nostoi (“Returns”) and the Telegony), comparable travelers of myth (Gilgamesh, Heracles, Perseus), the genre of travel writing, ancient and modern, and the characterization of Odysseus within Homer and outside of Homer. Chapter 2 explores the hero's account of his wanderings to the Phaeacians in Books 9-12 by exploring the poem's explanation of the hero's nostos (“return”) in the proem, the spatial and temporal aspects of the wanderings, the Phaeacian context of the Odysseus' stories, the implications of the ancient term apologos for Odysseus' “wanderings,” the patterns, causality, and plot of the Apologos, and the socio-economic aspects of the “wanderings.” Chapter 3 explores the actions of Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca. Topics include the Homeric and non-Homeric aspects of Ithaca, the motif of “lying travelers at Ithaca,” the themes of the false travel tales that Odysseus tells while in disguise, the function of these “lying tales” to “test” suitors, slaves, and family, and an extensive comparison of the “lying tales” to the “wanderings.” Chapter 4 first discusses issues arising at the end of the Odyssey, which are described as indicative of existing or potential further adventures of Odysseus. These post-nostos travels include Teiresias' prediction of the need to take an “inland journey,” Odysseus' travel to Thesprotia in the Telegony, and other lost tales about Odysseus traveling to northwest Greece or the Italian world. Many tales involve locations linking themselves to the hero through genealogy or burial place.

CliffsNotes on Homer's The Odyssey

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 sites Classic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

A Study Guide for Homer's Odyssey