Study Guide Questions s3

All of the questions covered in class

1.) Why does Homer include the old dog?

Because it is a metaphor for how in Odysseus’ absence, like the dog, the kingdom is dying.

2.) Why does Penelope create another impossible task?

Because she is still waiting for Odysseus so she creates a task that only he can complete.

3.) Why does Odysseus reveal himself to the swineherd and the cowherd only?

He is looking for loyal allies to fight the suitors. He has tested them by asking how they would react if Odysseus himself “dropped from the sky,” and they praised him and prayed for it.

4.) Why does Homer focus so much on Antinous' death?

Because Antinous is the main suitor and the leader of their crowd. If you take out the leader, the rest of the suitors will “fall” and cease the fight.

Examples of: Epithets, similes, irony

Noble and enduring Odysseus-Epithet Penelope /servants talking about Odysseus to Odysseus-Irony Heart is hard as flint-Simile Crisping hair in curls like petals of wild hyacinth but all red-golden-Homeric Simile

List major points in each section

The Meeting of Father and Son:  Odysseus has returned and Athena has disguised him as a beggar.  The swineherd does not recognize him and neither does Telemachus.  Athena lifts the disguise and makes him young again so Telemachus can recognize him.  Telemachus thinks Odysseus is a god.  He accepts it is his father and they embrace. The Beggar and the Faithful Dog:  The swineherd, Eumaeus, is with Odysseus as he heads toward home disguised as a beggar.  He comes across his dog, Argos, who is lying near death in manure.  He hears Odysseus’ voice and tries to wag his tail.  Odysseus fights back tears as Argos lies dying and he cannot pet him.  Argos dies as they pass by him to enter the city.  Penelope scolds Telemachus for allowing the suitors to taunt Odysseus.  She invites Odysseus disguised as a beggar to the palace to talk about Odysseus.  The nurse (servant), Eurycleia, is washing Odysseus’ feet when she recognizes his old scar.  Athena spells Penelope to not notice the revealing scene.

The Test of the Great Bow:  Penelope has created a task where the suitors must use Odysseus’ great hunting bow to shoot single arrows through 12 axe heads.  The prize for this task is her hand in marriage.  Odysseus is still disguised as the beggar and speaks to the swineherd and cowherd. They pledge their allegiance to him and he reveals his identity.  They make a plan to take the weapons of the suitors out of the hall and give the bow to Odysseus.  The suitors cannot even string the bow and taunt Odysseus during his turn.  The women, including Penelope, are sent away.  Odysseus strings the bow instantly, plucks the string like a musician.  He shoots through all 12 axe heads in a flash.  Zeus answers his prayer of revenge with thunder.  Odysseus reveals himself.  Odysseus tells Telemachus to ready himself for battle.

Death at the Palace:  Odysseus shoots a bow through Antinous’ throat.  The other suitors complain, say it was all Antinous’ fault and beg for mercy.  Odysseus refuses and along with Telemachus and the herders, kills them.  Athena‘s shield, Aegis, materialized for Odysseus during battle.  The battle ends. Odysseus and Penelope:  The maids are hung for treasonous acts with the suitors.  Penelope does not believe Odysseus is really there in person. She thinks it’s a god tricking her.  Athena makes Odysseus beautiful so Penelope can recognize him.  Penelope gives Odysseus a test. She tells Odysseus that he can sleep in his bed once the maids move it back into the room  Odysseus becomes angry because the bed is unmovable and is symbol of their love. He built the bedroom and bed around an olive tree.  Peneople cries when she realizes it’s Odysseus and not a trick. She explains how she had “armed herself long ago” against the lies of men because of the suitors.  They cried in each others arms at last.

The End