Question

book 8: games

1. how are the things the phaeacians claim to excel at doing, and what does this suggest about them?

1. what do they challenge odysseus to do, and why do they do this?

1. what are the two onomatopoeias that are used on page 85, and why does the graphic artist include these?

Explanation:

Question 1

The Phaeacians claim to excel at seafaring (sailing, navigating the seas to safely transport people) and athletic games (like discus, javelin, boxing, etc.). Their excellence in seafaring suggests they are skilled mariners, vital for their role as a seafaring people who help strangers (like Odysseus) get home. Excellence in games shows they value physical prowess, competition, and perhaps use games to display their status or entertain, reflecting a society with leisure and pride in physical ability.

They challenge Odysseus to participate in their athletic games (e.g., discus, running, boxing). They do this because they initially see him as a weak, shipwrecked stranger (not a warrior/athlete) and want to test his mettle, or to prove their own superiority in games, or to provoke him into showing his skills (after he criticizes their lack of respect for strangers’ abilities).

Since I don’t have page 85, common onomatopoeias in The Odyssey’s graphic adaptations might be “thud” (from a discus landing), “whoosh” (a javelin flying), “splash” (water, if seafaring scenes), or “clang” (if there’s combat). Artists include onomatopoeias to immerse readers, emphasize action (e.g., a discus “thud” shows its impact), or highlight sounds of movement/games, making the scene more vivid and engaging.

Answer:

The Phaeacians claim to excel at seafaring (safely transporting people across seas) and athletic games (e.g., discus, javelin, boxing). Seafaring excellence suggests they are skilled mariners (critical for their role in aiding travelers like Odysseus). Athletic prowess suggests they value physical competition, leisure, and take pride in displaying their strength/status.

Question 2