Key Passages and Exam Prep
These 10 questions cover the passages and framing devices that come up most often in AP Literature and Common Core discussion of the poem.
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For each passage, be ready to explain not just what happens, but why an examiner might ask about it — usually because it reveals theme or character.
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How does the poem begin, in terms of its narrative structure?
In medias res — "in the middle of things" — rather than at the start of Odysseus’ journey.
The poem opens years into Odysseus’ absence, then fills in earlier events through flashback.
What poetic epithet is Odysseus most commonly given in translation?
"Odysseus of many wiles" (or similar phrasing emphasizing his cunning).
Repeated epithets are a hallmark of oral epic poetry.
What is significant about the test Penelope sets involving their marriage bed?
She tests Odysseus by describing moving the bed, which is impossible since he built it around a living tree — only the real Odysseus would know this.
This is the final proof of his identity, more convincing to her than his appearance.
Why does Odysseus tell the Cyclops his name is "Nobody"?
So that when Polyphemus cries for help, saying "Nobody is hurting me," the other Cyclopes ignore him.
A famous piece of wordplay that lets Odysseus escape after blinding Polyphemus.
What is significant about Odysseus revealing his true name to the Cyclops as he sails away?
His pride leads him to boast, which lets Polyphemus curse him to Poseidon by name — causing his subsequent troubles at sea.
Often cited as an example of the hero’s fatal flaw of pride (hubris).
What does the episode with the Lotus-Eaters illustrate?
The danger of forgetting one’s purpose and home through easy pleasure.
Men who eat the lotus plant lose all desire to return home.
What is often asked about the poem’s ending regarding the suitors’ families?
The gods (via Athena) intervene to stop a cycle of revenge from the suitors’ relatives.
This resolves the plot with a form of enforced peace.
Why is the poem traditionally divided into 24 books?
This division dates to ancient editors (each book corresponds to a letter of the Greek alphabet), not necessarily to Homer’s original composition.
A common point of clarification in scholarly discussion of the text.
What is a common essay question about Odysseus as a hero?
Whether his cunning and occasional deception are compatible with being a "hero," compared to more straightforwardly virtuous epic heroes.
His moral complexity is a frequent point of literary analysis.
Why is The Odyssey often taught alongside The Iliad?
Both are attributed to Homer and are foundational texts of Western literature, though The Odyssey focuses on a journey home rather than a war.
The Iliad covers events of the Trojan War itself; The Odyssey follows afterward.
What to learn next
That completes The Odyssey. Hamlet, in this same subject, is a good next set for exam-style analysis practice.