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A tute is a class discussion on a specific topic. Nine of these have been set covering the Odyssey; there will be tutes each week. Each member of the class is required to do some basic reading to be able to participate in the discussion. In addition, each student is required to complete four tute papers each of approximately 700 words, per term. Which paper you choose to write is up to you allowing you to dovetail this requirement with other courses. However you must complete one paper by week five, the second by week seven, the third by week nine and the final paper before the end of term.

Tute One

It is Homer's attention to detail, his discussion of the minutiae of daily life that gives the Odyssey its impact. Discuss.

Tute Two

How does Homer, through his use of language and his exploration of the theme of revenge, create a unified poem out of seemingly separate incidents?

Tute Three

'In 'The Odyssey', Odysseus and the members of his family share many common traits, yet they are still portrayed by Homer as individual characters.' Discuss.

Tute Four

'In the Odyssey, Homer uses death and the dead to explore themes and develop characters' Discuss.

Tute Five

The symbol of the journey in 'The Odyssey' allows Homer to address the questions which growth brings. Discuss

Tute Six

Penelope is nothing more than the patient wife, the symbol of virtuous Greek womanhood. To what extent do you agree or disagree.

Tute Seven

Telemachus is rudderless, a boy unable to grow into manhood without his father's help. Discuss

Tute Eight

Why do the suitors exist, what is their function within the Odyssey?

Tute Nine

Mankind are the playthings of the Gods, to what extent is this true of the characters in the Odyssey?

READING LIST

The following texts will be of use in your preparations.......

Homer The Odyssey translations include the Fagles verse edition, the E.V.Rieu edition the Lattimore verse edition. Any complete translation is suitable.

Beye C.R. The Iliad, the Odyssey and the Epic Tradition Peter Smith, Magnolia (Mass) 1972

Camps W.A. An Introduction to Homer Oxford University Press 1980

Finley M.I. The World of Odysseus Pelican 1972

Griffin J Homer Oxford University Press 1980

Kirk G.S. Homer and the Epic Cambridge University Press 1965

You should also make use of the Internet links provided at this site .