Transcript Book VII: Gardens and Firelight pages 111-121

Book VII (7): Gardens and
Firelight
pages 111-121
By: Jaqlyn Al
Miss Yost
English 8
15 February 2010
Places Visited
Places Visited Continued
Odysseus is washed up at the shore
of Phaiakia (also known as Scheria or
Phaecia).
Athena leads Odysseus to King
Alkinoos’ castle.
From there, Athena takes off
overseas to Marathon city.
Odysseus stays at Phaiakia to ask for
help.
Main Characters
Princess Nausikaa
- Daughter of King Alkinoos
and Arete
- Interacts with Odysseus
when he approaches her
after being washed up at
shore
- Helps Odysseus somewhat in
finding his way around town
Main Characters Continued
-
King Alkinoos and Queen Arete
- Rulers of Phaikia
- Alkinoos is the son of Nausithoos
- Originally, Nausithoos had two sons; one of them
died (Rhexenor).
-Rhexenor’s daughter is Arete
-Yeah…Alkinoos married his niece…Gross!
- Alkinoos and Arete help out Odysseus by giving
him a ship to travel back home and by pampering
him.
Summarization of Stanzas
-Odysseus goes to King Alkinoos’ and Queen
Arete’s enormous castle to see if they could help
in his journey back home.
-He gets to the castle by a little girl showing him the
way. The little girl was actually Athena in a
disguise.
-When Odysseus gets inside the castle, he pleads
Arete for her help then tells the royal family all he
has been through for the past years.
Summarization continued
- During this book, it seemed really important
for Odysseus to get back home, but at the
same time, he was tired and wanted to
stick around the castle for a bit. He was
influenced to do so since King Alkinoos
brought up how Odysseus would make a
great husband for Princess Nausikaa. Of
course Odysseus would be tempted to stay
because Princess Nausikaa is known for
being beautiful.
Analysis
-In book VII, Odysseus was determined to go home,
but at the same time was slightly tempted to stay.
-After hearing Odysseus’ sob story, Alkinoos, Arete,
and Princess Nausikaa felt sympathy for
Odysseus. They were good Samaritans in helping
Odysseus get back home.
Analysis Continued
-The themes that were most apparent were:
Loneliness: Odysseus was lonely and missing his wife
and son.
Storytelling: Odysseus had to tell his story of getting
lost and being held hostage by a love nymph, like,
twice.
Temptation: Odysseus is tempted to stay in Phaiakia.
Disguises: Athena disguises herself as a little girl who
leads Odysseus to Alkinoos’ castle.
Hospitality: When Odysseus has told Alkinoos and
Arete what he has gone through, they have the
maids feed, clothe, and set up a bed for him.
- In this chapter, the citizens were very kind, they
weren’t judgmental, and were happy to help.
Any Questions?