HOMER, THE ODYSSEY, Pt. 3
Books 13-18
STUDY QUESTIONS
Book 13
One of the great
ironies of the Iliad occurs in this section. How long has Odysseus been
away from home? When he finally reaches the shores of Ithaka, is he aware
that he's home? Why does he weep when he awakes on the shore?
Book 14
Consider the character of
Eumaios. What perspective does Homer, the author, seem to have toward him?
His treatment of Odysseus is remarkable given the fact that Odysseus has been make to look
like a beggar (i.e. hobo, beggar, bum, pan-handler or "homeless person" if you
want to be politically correct!). Yet, the pious Eumaios shows him the utmost respect and
kindness. What are some of the many kindnesses that Eumaios shows Odysseus?
Why do you think Homer refers to Eumaios as "O my swineherd"?
Eumaios is full of pious aphorisms, e.g. "rudeness to a stranger is not decency, poor
though he may be poorer than you. All wanderers and beggars come from Zeus." (lines
68-70) Give some more examples of Eumaios’ pious sentiments. (?)
Give some examples of Eumaios own personal fidelity to Odysseus despite Odysseus’
long absence. How does he show that he is still faithful to Odysseus?
Book 15
What scare does Athena give Tekemakhos at the beginning of book 15 to hurry Telemakhos
home?
What omen is given as Telemakhos departs and what is the interpretation that Helen gives
it?
Book 16
Telemakhos is still a child though, he can see nothing but defeat for himself if he were
to go up against the suitors. Odysseus is eager to "test" his son and find if
there might be any of the fighting spirit in him. How does Odysseus put his son to the
test? (line 16.110)
What is Telemakhos’ excuse for not fighting the suitors?
Book 17
When Eumaios brings Odysseus (in tramp disguise) to the house, the suitors are quick to
level the usual criticism that is made of vagrants. What is it? (lines 17.289-291)
Who recognizes Odysseus at the house? What happens? What effect does
that have on the tone of the story?
Homer loves to play with the irony in the fact that Odysseus comes to beg in his house as
if he owned nothing. What is the irony in Antinoos’statement in lines 490-493?
In his guise Odysseus gets to play on the conscience of the suitors. What is the point
that he makes in lines 595-600?
In lines 631-640 we can see the real lack of piety in Antinoos. When faced with the fact
that in Odysseus he may be mistreating a god in disguise- he only shrugs. What is the
irony in the idea of Odysseus being a "god in disguise"?
Book 18
What event in Book 18 serves as a
foreshadowing for the conclusion? In what way(s) does Odysseus show
restraint? What does this reveal about his character?
Telemakhos is still a child though, he can see nothing but defeat for himself if he were
to go up against the suitors. Odysseus is eager to "test" his son and find if
there might be any of the fighting spirit in him. How does Odysseus put his son to the
test? (line 16.110)
What is Telemakhos’ excuse for not fighting the suitors?