Book 15 - the PRINCE SETS SAIL for HOME

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Book 15 - THE PRINCE SETS SAIL FOR HOME

SCENE: Sparta, Ithaca

IMPORTANT CHARACTERS: Athena, Telemachus, Pisistratus, Menelaus, Helen, Theoclymenus, Odysseus, Eumaeus.

Athena comes to Telemachus to urge him to return to Ithaca. He quickly responds. Menelaus and Helen shower Telemachus and Pisitratus with gifts. Interestingly, it is Helen who interprets "an eagle clutching a huge white goose in its talons" as a signal of Odysseus' return to Ithaca. When they arrive near Pylos, Pisistratus agrees that it best that Telemachus not stop for Nestor's sense of hospitality would waylay him. Just before departing on his ship (that conveniently seems to await him) Telemachus agrees to take aboard the exiled prophet Theoclymenus. The book then returns to Eumaeus and Ithaca. This time Odysseus asks Eumaeus to tell his story. Like Odysseus' invented history, Eumaeus actual history is one of many twists and turns, including a kidnapping by his "nurse" who had been seduced by a Phoenician sailor. After she is ultimately punished by Artemis, Eumaeus lands on Ithaca where Odysseus' father Laertes buys him. Odysseus is as moved by the swineherd's tale as the swineherd was by Odysseus'. As they turn in for sleep, Telemachus lands in Ithaca successfully, but secretly. He will not return to his home, but has been directed be Athena to go to the swineherd's farm.

PAY ATTENTION TO:

·  return (of Telemachus),

·  exile (note: all of the mortals listed above as an "important character" except for Pisistratus have experienced or are experiencing some form of exile);

·  hospitality (of Menelaus, Nestor, the swineherd);

·  bird signs from above; the new sophistication of Telemachus and Pisistratus;

·  Odysseus' continued testing of Eumaeus;

·  Eumaeus' story of his "Phoenician nurse."

QUESTIONS:

1.  Why is Telemachus awake when Athena comes upon him? Lines ______

2.  How does Telemachus' departure from Sparta parallel Odysseus' departure from Phaecia? Who gives going away presents to Telemachus? What does this signify? Lines ______

3.  Why does Telemachus not want to revisit Nestor? How does Pisistratus react to this? Lines ______

4.  Who is Theoclymenus? What portent(omen) does he interpret? Lines ______

5.  How does Odysseus test Eumaeus? Lines ______

6.  How does Telemachus distinguish Eurymachus among the suitors? Who suggested he do this? Lines ______

Book 16 - FATHER AND SON

SCENE: Ithaca

IMPORTANT CHARACTERS: Odysseus, Eumaeus, Telemachus, Athena, Antinous, Amphinomus, Medon, Eurymachus, Penelope.

Telemachus is greeted by Eumaeus with much emotion; he is introduced to the stranger who does not reveal himself. Telemachus sends Eumaeus to tell Penelope of his return. Then Odysseus is signaled by an Athena Telemachus cannot see, and he slips outside the lodge whereupon the goddess instructs Odysseus to reveal himself to his son; she proceeds to transform make him appear "taller, supple, young." Telemachus reacts as if the stranger were a god, and after Odysseus reveals his identity refuses at first to believe that this is indeed his father. Odysseus explains his transformation is Athena's work, the first of a number of times that Odysseus explains the ways of the gods to his son. Convinced, the son embraces his father. After tears and "shrilling cries," Odysseus explains how the Phaeacian's helped him, and Telemachus details the powerful position of the suitors. Odysseus explains that with the help of Athena and Zeus, the suitors will ultimately be defeated. Telemachus promises his father he is not a "flighty weak-willed boy," and together they plot out a plan to overthrow their enemies. Meanwhile Eumaeus tells Penelope of the return of her on, and the suitors spot Telemachus' ship in the harbor. They are dissuaded from following the advice of Antinous to kill Telemachus by Amphinomus. An inspired Penelope, informed of the plot, attacks Antinous upon his return to palace with a mother's fury. Eumaeus returns to his home, his mission filled, and Odysseus transformed back into an ancient beggar.

PAY ATTENTION TO:

·  Reunions (first of Eumaeus and Telemachus, then of Telemachus and Odysseus);

·  the irony in several situations; Eumaeus' emotions;

·  Telemachus' self-control,

·  Odysseus' discipline ("or are your brothers at fault?");

·  Athena's role;

·  Penelope's position and response;

·  the importance of loyalty (Eumaeus, Penelope)

QUESTIONS:

1.  Why does Odysseus reveal his identity to Telemachus? How does Odysseus look when he reveals himself to his son? How does Telemachus react when Odysseus identifies himself? Lines______

2.  What are the three major points of strategy in the plan which Odysseus tells to Telemachus? Lines ______

3.  What does Antinous try to get the suitors to do? Who offers a different perspective? Lines ______

4.  How does Penelope learn of what the suitors are thinking? How does Penelope react to this information? Lines ______