Odysseus (Ulysses) has been cast ashore after a long battle with the sea, following his attempt to escape on a raft from Calypso's island. He has been saved by the intervention of the goddess Athene, who often protects distressed heroes. When Book VI opens, he is sleeping in a secluded nook under an olive tree. (For Odysseus's adventures on the sea, consult Book V of the _Odyssey_.) Is Athene's visit to Nausicaä an unusual sort of thing in Greek story? Does it appear that it was customary for princesses to do their own washing? Note here that _I_ refers to the daughter of Dymas, since Athene is not speaking in her own character. From Nausicaä's conversation with her father and her preparations for departure, what can you judge of Greek family life? How does the author make us see vividly the activities of Nausicaä and her maids? Does the out-door scene appear true to life? _This virgin pure_ refers to Nausicaä, who is being compared to Artemis (Diana), the goddess of the hunt. What plan has Athene for assisting Odysseus? From the hero's speech, what can you tell of his character? Can you find out what adjectives are usually applied to Odysseus in the _Iliad_ and the _Odyssey_? Why does he here call Nausicaä "Princess"? What effect is his speech likely to have? What can you tell of Nausicaä from her reply? Give her reasons for not taking Odysseus with her to the town. Does she fail in hospitality? What do her reasons show of the life of Greek women? What do you judge of the prosperity of the Phaeacians? Why does Nausicaä tell Odysseus to seek the favor of her mother? _Her father's brother_ means Neptune (the Sea)--brother of Zeus, Athene's father; Neptune is enraged at Odysseus and wishes to destroy him. _Here then_: At this point Book VII begins. From what is said of Arete, what can you tell of the influence of the Greek women? How does the author make you feel the richness of Alcinoüs's palace? How does it differ from modern houses? _Corn_ means grain, not Indian corn, which, of course, had not yet been brought from the New World. Note the vivid description of the garden. How do you think Odysseus is received at the house of Alcinoüs? You can find out by reading the rest of Book VII of the _Odyssey_. THEME SUBJECTS One of Ulysses's Adventures An Escape from the Sea A Picnic on the Shore The Character of Nausicaä My Idea of a Princess The Life of a Greek Woman A Group of Girls The Character of Odysseus Shipwrecked A Beautiful Building Along the Shore Among Strangers A Garden A Story from the Odyssey Odysseus at the House of Alcinoüs The Lady of the House The Greek Warrior The Stranger Why I Wish to Study Greek SUGGESTIONS FOR WRITING