i am reading the odyssey and i don't understand it. please help.
2007-01-02 12:54:48 · 7 answers · asked by almostageniusbutsomuchtoknow 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
The Odyssey is a great epic, arguably one of the top ten books in Western literature. You should keep an open mind while reading and you will certainly enjoy it.
Now, the epic follows a specfic epic format that is fairly easy to understand. In the first several chapters (it has been a while since I read it myself) Odysseus is a prisoner, albeit a very well treated one, on the island of . . . . what's her name. He tricks her into letting him go so he can resume his voyage back to Ithaca and his wife Penelope. He makes it to another land where he is taken in and invited to dine with his hosts. There he tells the story of how he and his men left Troy and suffered through many trials attempting to get back home. Meanwhile, the gods on Olympus are watching everything while knowing what will transpire in Odysseus's adventures. Zeus takes it upon himself to tell the other gods (and the reader) everything that will happen in the rest of the story. Then, all that Zeus has told us comes to pass.
I won't get into all the episodes but suffice it to say that the story does not follow a chronological timeline and it can be confusing. You should take it slow and ask your teacher to help with some of the hard parts.
Enjoy!
2007-01-02 21:04:18 · answer #1 · answered by JoeH 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ancient literature like the Odyssey can be difficult to understand today. It was composed to be spoken aloud (like the lyrics to a song) so often passages or descriptions are repeated or the language stilted or complicated. These artefacts make sense when you hear the work; but can make it difficult to parse out the plot when you are reading.
I suggest you first read a synopsis of the plot (check out the Wikipedia link below) so you become familiar with the characters and events. Then try reading sections of it out loud (in a room by yourself so people don't think you are nuts)
I think you'll find it a lot easier to understand if you try those methods. It is a great tale of travel and adventure, magic and intrigue -
2007-01-02 21:07:01 · answer #2 · answered by krinkn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really an adventure story. There is a made-for-tv movie that was out a few years ago that may help you understand it a bit better. It mostly sticks to the main points of the story. I believe that you can rent it at Blockbuster or a similar store. There are also some easier translations out there, so maybe you can find one of them online.
Good luck!
2007-01-02 20:57:35 · answer #3 · answered by hippieenglishteacher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it's written in a prose that is hard to understand. Some of it rhymes and some of it doesn't! I would suggest a study guide OR... if all else fails, even the internet, check into the children's section of a library and try finding some nonfiction books about it. That is an excellent way to learn anything.
2007-01-02 20:58:49 · answer #4 · answered by madjennyvane 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Justin,
I've read it three times, have a grad degree and I saw the movie:
O Brother Where Art Thou (which I enjoyed) and I still don't understand it.
Good Luck,
Coop
2007-01-02 20:58:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You got a spare 47 hours?
2007-01-02 20:57:22 · answer #6 · answered by fatherf.lotski 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋