The Odyssey Part 2 Study Guide

The Odyssey Part 2 Study Guide

“Twenty years gone, and I am back again…”

1.  How does Athena disguise Odysseus so that he can return in secret to Ithaca? ______

2.  Who is Eumaeus? ______

3.  When Athena tips her wand upon the stranger (Odysseus), how does his appearance change? ______

4.  What does Telemachus believe when the stranger is transformed in front of him? ______

5.  Is the encounter between Odysseus and Telemachus in lines 1034-1035 an example of an archetype? Why or why not? ______

6.  Explain the two things being compared in the Homeric simile in lines 1063-1065? ______

7.  What does Odysseus’ statement in lines 1109-1111 suggest about the ancient Greek beliefs about the gods’ interest in human affairs? ______

8.  What instructions does Odysseus give Telemachus about how to handle the suitors in the hall of his home? ______

Argus

9.  Describe how Argus, Odysseus’ dog, has been treated in his master’s absence. ______

10.  What does the treatment of the dog tell you about the suitors in Odysseus’ kingdom? ______

11.  Read the description of Argus in lines 1194-1196. How is Argus a symbol of Odysseus himself? ______

12.  Read Eumaeus’ statement about servants in lines 1199-1203. How do Eumaeus’ beliefs about servitude and slavery compare with those in your own culture? ______

The Suitors

13.  Who is Antinous and how does he treat the beggar (Odysseus in disguise)? ______

14.  How does Antinous’ treatment of the beggar violate the Greek laws of hospitality? ______

15.  Read Odysseus’ speech in lines 1236-1246. According to Odysseus, when is the use of physical force appropriate? ______

16.  How does Penelope feel about Antinous’ behavior toward the beggar? ______

17.  Who is Eurynome? ______

Penelope

18.  What two things are being compared in the Homeric simile in lines 1290-1297? ______

19.  What does this comparison reveal about Odysseus’ feelings about his wife? ______

20.  How was Penelope able to delay marriage to one of the suitors for three years? ______

21.  Why do you think Odysseus keeps his identity a secret from his wife? Do you agree with his decision? Why or why not? ______

The Challenge

22.  What is the test Penelope devises to choose a suitor to marry? ______

23.  What Homeric simile is used to describe Odysseus’ handling of the bow in lines 1370-1375? ______

24.  What sign did Zeus send down, and what do you think is the meaning of this sign? ______

Odysseus’ Revenge

25.  Why does Odysseus kill Antinous first? ______

26.  What does Homer mean when he says the suitors, “imagined as they wished” in line 1435? ______

27.  Eurymachus’ speech in lines 1449-1463 reveals his deceitful, cowardly nature. How does he attempt to save his own life? ______

28.  Why is the comparison of Eurymachus’ sharp sword to a razor only a simile and not a Homeric simile? ______

29.  Who assists Odysseus in the killing of all the suitors? ______, ______and ______

30.  What does the varying social status of all of Odysseus’ helpers suggest about his character? ______

Penelope’s Test

31.  Describe how Odysseus looks after being bathed by Eurynome and changed by Athena. ______

32.  Why is Penelope overly cautious when accepting that Odysseus is back? ______

33.  How does Odysseus react to Penelope’s attitude toward him? ______

34.  Paraphrase Odysseus’ description of the bed that helps Penelope know he truly is her husband. ______

35.  The journey ends with an embrace. What Homeric simile helps you understand how Odysseus feels in the arms of his wife? ______