Homeric Simile and Imagery in the Odyssey
You already know that poets use imagery to appeal to your senses. Other types of writers do the same. Imagery is more than just an appeal to your sense of sight. Imagery appeals to all five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Think back to Book IX, and Odysseus's vivid description of the smell of the cave where Polyphemus lived and the squirming of the men before they are eaten by the cyclops.
Another specific device Homer uses in his writing is called the Homeric simile. A Homeric simile is just like a regular simile in that it compares two things using the words "like" or "as," but a Homeric simile is longer, more drawn-out, and highly descriptive and specific. Homeric similes often use vivid imagery, as shown in this passage from Book IX of the Odyssey.
"As a blacksmith plunges an axe or hatchet into cold water to temper it - for it is this that gives strength to the iron- and it makes a great hiss as he does so, even thus did the Cyclops' eye hiss round the beam of olive wood, and his hideous yells made the cave ring again."
Through Odysseus's story, Homer compares the burning stake going into Polyphemus' eye to the sound that hot metal makes when it is put into water. It makes you understand just how disgusting that scene must have been. It may be a gross image, but it is effective.
Book X of the Odyssey
As Book X of the Odyssey begins, Odysseus is still telling his story to King Alcinous and the other Phaeacians. After blinding Polyphemus, the son of Poseidon, the Ithacans continue their travels. Click on each of the bars in the "accordion" to learn more about the events of this book.
View a printable version of the interactivity.
Book XI and Book XII of the Odyssey
Now, read Book XI and Book XII of the Odyssey by Homer. Make sure to use your active reading strategies with any unfamiliar vocabulary words. While you read, take specific notes about Odysseus's experience in the Underworld. What information does he learn from Tiresias that he has not yet encountered?
Homeric Simile and Imagery in the Odyssey Review
Now that you have learned about Homeric simile and imagery in the Odyssey, as well as read Books XI and XII, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Read each statement and decide if it is True or False. Then, click SUBMIT to check your responses. Click the player button to get started.