Quiz: Odyssey Background
Great Greek Minds
Quiz on Homer’s Odyssey and Greece (45 pts) 1. (10 pts) What would our lives be like if no one had the ability to read or write?
Without the ability to read and write, our lives would be very boring. By having a written language, we are able to understand things better and communicate more effectively. We wouldn't be able to send letters or write books. We would use mostly oral tradition for our history and entertainment. Oral tradition is important but it is only a small part of our lives today! Not to mention, stories drastically change over time so it is not the most effective form of record keeping.
2. (5 pts) Define dactylic hexameter.
Dactylic Hexameter means 6 (hexa-) feet, each made up of dactyls. Dactylic Hexameter is a very important meter in Greek and Latin poetry. It is especially associated with epic poetry, and so is referred to as "heroic". The very words "dactylic hexameter" often stand for epic poetry.(From Homer, Odyssey background)
3. (5 pts) What is the difference between Ancient Greek meter and English meter?
Unlike stress-based English meter, Latin and Greek meter depends on the length of the vowels in the syllables. A long vowel (_) is twice the length of a short (u). A short vowel has a length of one mora. A mora can be thought of as like an eighth note in music. Greek meter is quantitative: a long mark – represents quantity—a syllable held for a longer period of time. A short mark ˘represents a syllable held for a shorter period of time. English meter is accentual: a long mark in English meter means that the word or syllable is accented; a short mark means that it is not.(From Homer, Odyssey background pra 4)
4. (5 pts) Define epic poetry. The definition of an epic poem: it is a long narrative poem in verse (words have a certain rhythm). It uses elevated language (locker room talk is out). It proceeds via a series of episodes and centers around a hero.( From Homer,
Quiz on Homer’s Odyssey and Greece (45 pts) 1. (10 pts) What would our lives be like if no one had the ability to read or write?
Without the ability to read and write, our lives would be very boring. By having a written language, we are able to understand things better and communicate more effectively. We wouldn't be able to send letters or write books. We would use mostly oral tradition for our history and entertainment. Oral tradition is important but it is only a small part of our lives today! Not to mention, stories drastically change over time so it is not the most effective form of record keeping.
2. (5 pts) Define dactylic hexameter.
Dactylic Hexameter means 6 (hexa-) feet, each made up of dactyls. Dactylic Hexameter is a very important meter in Greek and Latin poetry. It is especially associated with epic poetry, and so is referred to as "heroic". The very words "dactylic hexameter" often stand for epic poetry.(From Homer, Odyssey background)
3. (5 pts) What is the difference between Ancient Greek meter and English meter?
Unlike stress-based English meter, Latin and Greek meter depends on the length of the vowels in the syllables. A long vowel (_) is twice the length of a short (u). A short vowel has a length of one mora. A mora can be thought of as like an eighth note in music. Greek meter is quantitative: a long mark – represents quantity—a syllable held for a longer period of time. A short mark ˘represents a syllable held for a shorter period of time. English meter is accentual: a long mark in English meter means that the word or syllable is accented; a short mark means that it is not.(From Homer, Odyssey background pra 4)
4. (5 pts) Define epic poetry. The definition of an epic poem: it is a long narrative poem in verse (words have a certain rhythm). It uses elevated language (locker room talk is out). It proceeds via a series of episodes and centers around a hero.( From Homer,