Level 2

HOMER’S ODYSSEY BK1

Classical Studies Examine and analyse passage(s) from work(s) of

classical literaturein translation (90247)

Assessment Report • Successful candidates were able to examine and analyse the extracts of

the classical works provided in the examination. They had read the set texts carefully and were able to respond accurately to questions about context, plot, and historical background.

• Analysis requires methodical and detailed discussion. Candidates should be guided by the number of lines provided in their answer booklets.

• In order to gain Merit or Excellence, candidates must identify the key elements of the question and respond with both precision and insight.

• Answers to questions (e), (f), and (g) should not be brief, generalised, vague, or unsupported by textual evidence. Description is not sufficient at Level 2, whether describing techniques of writing, or mythological and historical context.

• It should also be emphasised that questions (e), (f), and (g) provide another chance to gain Achievement, as well as the opportunity for Merit and Excellence. They should not be left out in the belief that they generate only Merit or Excellence.

Judgement Statement• Achievement: four correct answers are required from

questions (a)–(g)

• Merit: Achievement PLUS two correct answers are required from Merit questions /appropriate evidence from Excellence.

• Excellence: Merit PLUS ONE correct answer to an Excellence question.

TOPIC ONE: HOMER’S ODYSSEY 1

She found the insolent suitors sitting in front of the door on hides of oxen they themselves had slaughtered, playing with counters; their squires and pages were busy round them, some blending wine and water in the mixing bowls, and others carving meat in lavish portions and wiping down the tables with sponges before they set them ready.

The first to see her was Telemachus the godlike youth, who was sitting disconsolate among the suitors, imagining how his noble father might come back out of the blue, drive the suitors headlong from the house, and so regain his royal honours, and reign over his own once more. Full of these visions, he caught sight of Athena and set off at once for the porch, ashamed that a stranger should be kept standing at the gates. He went straight up to his visitor, grasped his right hand, took his bronze spear and gave him cordial greetings. “Welcome, friend!” he said. “You can tell us what has brought you here when you have had some food.”

(Odyssey, Book 1)

a) Explain the reference to “she” in line 1. What is the purpose of her visit?

Questn ach mer exc

(a) ‘She’ is Athena,

She has come to encourage Telemachus to be braver/and go find word of his father.

Both needed

she is patron to both Odysseus & Telemachus.

..because he is unable to deal with the suitors

Both needed

..and is unable to ‘grow’ not knowing his standing in his fathers house

b) What form did “she” assume and how did she depart?

Questn achievement merit excellence

(b) ‘She’ is disguised as Mentes

She flies away like some wild seabird

Both needed

-a foreigner-chief of the Tapheans-with a ship of iron/copper-a guest-friend of Odysseus -as were their fathers

2 of these (or alternatives) 4 or more merit points

c) Where exactly does this conversation occur and what is going on at the time?

Questn achievement merit excellence

(c) In the courtyard of the house of Odysseus/Penelope/Telemachus

The suitor are feasting /

-They have been eating Odysseus’ household out of house and home, -upsetting Telemachus,-generally being discourteous -for 3 years.

2 of these (or alternatives)

4 or more merit points

d) Discuss ONE example from Book 1 which shows that the suitors disrespect a custom of the time?

Questn achievement merit excellence

(d) Abusing the custom of guest-friendship by overstaying their welcome at Odysseus house

Blaming the situation on Penelope leading them on and not choosing one to marry

Refusing Telemachus request that they leave.

Playing with counters while the servants were working for them

Any one

Any 2 achieved points

The custom of guest friendship required that any guest who came to your door was treated to hospitality (free food, bed, entertainment and gifts) for a few days.

e) Explain THREE of the rituals involved in guest friendship. For each one, provide a specific example from Book 1.

Questn Achievement Merit Excellence

(e) 2 of the merit points

Or 1 with example.

- Being courteously greeted – the way Telemachus greets Athena/Mentes when she turns up at the gate (he is shamed that she has been left waiting there)

- Provided with food/wine/shelter – the suitors being fed/put-up at the house of Odysseus OR Mentes by Telemachus

- Entertainment – the suitors have a bard sing to them during their feasts.

- Reciprocating – how Mentes and his father has an established guest-friendship with Odysseus and his father (Laertes).

- Not outstaying your welcomes – the way the suitors have, and are challenged about it by Telemachus.

Three with examples

f) How is Penelope portrayed in Book 1? Discuss THREE characteristics and provide examples to illustrate your answers.

Questn Achievement Merit Excellence

(f) 2 of the merit points

Or 1 with example.

- Fragile/emotional – she cannot bear to hear the bard sing of her lost husband

- Strong– she has the courage to interrupt the singing to ask them to stop.

- Modest/etiquette – only appears before the suitors accompanied and veiled.

- Wise mother – how she supports and rejoices when Telemachus takes control in the house when speaking up for the bard’s song.

- Cunning – her trick with the loom to hold up the time when she must decide which suitor to marry.

- Beautiful – that epithet is given her when she first appears on the stairs from her room.

3 characteristics with examples

g i ) Discuss THREE of characteristics of Telemachua s he is portrayed in the extract? Provide examples to illustrate your answers.

Questn Achievement Merit Excellence

(g i) 1 with example 2 of the

excellence points with example

Handsome/godlike – meaning handsome is the first epithet given to him

Disconsolate – he is grieving the situation in his home/the loss of his father

Unconfident/powerless – he is dreaming of his fathers return to save the situation.

Sensitive – he is ashamed that the visitor has been kept waitng.

Courteous – he graciously welcomes the visitor and will feed him before he need explain himself

3 of these

g ii) How does the character of Telemachus differ inother parts of book 1. Discuss TWO other characteristics to illustrate your answers.

Questn Achievement Merit Excellence

(g ii) 2 without examples

1 of the excellence points with example

Assertive – with his mother over the bards song

Optimistic/energized – after Athena has challenged hi to grow up and be more like Orestes who avenged his father’s murder.

Brave – when he stood up for himself against the suitors, and tried to throw them out.

2 characteristics with examples.