HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Pt. 1
Books 1-8
STUDY QUESTIONS
Book I
The Odyssey is the story of Odysseus's homecoming. What happened to Agamemnon on his
return home?
Book 1 begins by showing us Odysseus's son, and the house full of suitors in Ithaka.
What can we learn about Telemakhos from his initial description in lines 142-149?
When Athena comes in the form of Mentes what message does she have for Telemakhos? (lines
220-249)
Athena strongly condemns the suitors for their abuse of Odysseus’ home and then
suggests to Telemakhos a plan of action concerning his mother and the suitors. What is the
plan that she gives to Telemakhos?
What personal interest does Telemakhos have in his mother’s remarriage?
What will happen to him if his mother remarries?
After Athena leaves what does Telemakhos tell the suitors about his upcoming voyage?
After Telemakhos shows new assertiveness, the suitors are eager to know what it was that
Telemakhos was told that gave him this new assertiveness ("maybe he knows something
we don’t!") Why does Telemakhos tell them that he received no word concerning
his father rather than telling them that Odysseus was returning? Would not telling the
suitors of his father’s return encourage the suitors to leave the house in fear?
Book 2
Book 2 begins with Telemakhos calling an assembly and expressing his desire to expel the
suitors. Telemakhos’ new-found assertiveness quickly draws the ire of Antinoos who
argues that the suitors can not be blamed for continuing their suit in the hall’s of
Odysseus. What reason does Antinoos give to excuse the suitor’s continued pursuit of
Penelope?
Telemakhos will not hear this excuse and tells the suitors that they must take their
dinner elsewhere. At the end of his speech he says, "I beg Zeus you shall get what
you deserve: a slaughter here, and nothing paid for it!" (line153-154) What occurs to
make these words prophetic?
Book 3
When Telemakhos meets Nestor he immediately asks for news of his father. Even though
Nestor can not tell him where his father is, what explanation does he give for the
Achaians difficulties in returning home?
What important warning does Nestor give Telemakhos?
Traveling by chariot to the house of Menelaus, Telemakhos finds him celebrating the
weddings of his son and daughter. How does Homer show us the good natured hospitality of
Menelaus? (lines 27-37)
If the Trojan war was fought to reunite Helen and Menelaus, then this book offers us an
opportunity to see if the war was fought in vain. What do you think of this couple? Does
Helen really show herself to be as desirable a woman as the Trojan war implied or has this
woman been a bit over-rated?
Do Helen and Menelaus show themselves the ideal couple we would expect them to be?
What encouragement does Menelaus offer Telemakhos concerning his father?
The first four books of the Iliad are known as the Telemachy. They are given this term
simply because they introduce us to Odysseus’ son. It is not until book 5 that we
will be reintroduced to Odysseus himself. Why does Homer spend so much time on Telemakhos
before bringing us to the main character?
Book 5
When Athena comes to Zeus to plead for Odysseus’ release from Kalypso, what is the
first argument that she uses? (lines 9-14)
In line 249, it says that Odysseys used dead trees because they would "float him
high". The answer to this question is not in the text, but do any of you know why it
is that the wood of dead tries floats higher?
Poseidon does sink Odysseus’ raft, but who comes to his rescue?
Book 6
How long has it been since Odysseus has been in civilized domestic society?
Book 7
What is the lie that Odysseus tells in lines 325-330 and why does he tell it?
When Odysseus tells of his history he never mentions his wife and son. Why do you think
this is so?
Book 8
The bard sings the tale of the clash between Odysseus and Akhilleus. Some traditions have
it that they quarreled over how Troy would be taken- whether through force or guile. The
final solution was of course Odysseus’ guileful hollow horse. Odysseus almost
breaks down at the hearing of this song but is able to skillfully restrain himself despite
the memories he must fight. Alkinoos perceives Odysseus’ distress but thinks that the
solution is a change of activities- from poetry to sports. How is Odysseus’ identity
revealed all the more during these games?