Final answer:
The 'big six' literary devices that one might find in 'The Odyssey' include imagery, symbolism, tone, theme, irony, and figurative language. Examples such as the 'wine-dark sea' showcase Homer's use of imagery and symbolism, while the overall context determines the tone and themes present in the passage. Irony and figurative language would be other key features to look for in an analysis of these stanzas.
Step-by-step explanation:
You are asking about the literary devices used in stanzas 184-196 of The Odyssey according to 'the big six.' Although I do not have the specifics of 'the big six' you are referencing, here's a general approach. Typically, when analyzing text, especially classical epics like The Odyssey, the 'big six' refers to the major literary devices which are imagery, symbolism, tone, theme, irony, and figurative language (including metaphors and similes). To identify literary devices in the text, one should look for descriptive language that evokes sensory experiences, use of objects or elements to represent bigger ideas or concepts, the author's attitude towards the subject, the underlying messages or issues that the text addresses, contradictions between expectations and reality, as well as comparisons used for descriptive purposes.
For example, if we found a passage that described the sea as 'wine-dark,' this would be an example of imagery and perhaps symbolism, with the sea representing the unknown or the subconscious. The particular tone of the passage would depend on the context—whether it's meant to create a mood of fear, anticipation, or nostalgia, etc. Irony might appear in situations where Odysseus's experiences contrast with what he or others expect. Figurative language in 'The Odyssey' often takes the form of epic similes or metaphors that compare heroic or godly actions to everyday activities to make them relatable to the audience.