Verse Set Text Group 4 (2023–24): Homer, Odyssey 6, lines 85–331

This prescribed passage from Homer's Odyssey (Book 6, lines 85–331) is a cornerstone of the OCR A-Level Greek Verse Set Text Group 4 (2023–24). It depicts Odysseus' arrival in Scheria, the land of the Phaeacians, and his encounter with Nausicaa, the king's daughter. The passage begins with Nausicaa and her handmaidens washing clothes by the river, followed by Odysseus waking from his sleep and approaching them. His supplication of Nausicaa is a masterclass in Homeric diplomacy, blending vulnerability with strategic praise. The scene culminates in Nausicaa providing Odysseus with directions to the city and advice on how to win her parents' favour, setting the stage for his eventual reception at the palace.

This episode is crucial for understanding key Homeric themes: hospitality (xenia), the role of women, and the hero's resourcefulness (mētis). Nausicaa is a complex figure—young, noble, and perceptive—whose actions reflect both her own character and the values of Phaeacian society. The passage also showcases Homer's narrative techniques, such as extended similes (e.g., Odysseus compared to a lion) and vivid descriptions of landscape and daily life. For A-Level students, close analysis of the Greek text is essential: note the use of epithets, word order, and particles to convey tone and emphasis.

In the wider context of the Odyssey, Book 6 marks a turning point: Odysseus moves from the solitary, supernatural world of Calypso's island towards the human society of the Phaeacians, who will eventually help him return to Ithaca. The passage thus bridges the poem's first half (the wanderings) and second half (the revenge on the suitors). Understanding the dynamics of this encounter—especially Odysseus' tact and Nausicaa's agency—is vital for essays on characterisation, narrative structure, and the poem's cultural values.