Name__________________
The Odyssey Book 2
PART TWO: COMING HOME
1. Who helps Odysseus return to Ithaca after twenty years?
2. Once in Ithaca, whom does Odysseus visit and how is he disguised?
3. In Odysseus' absence, where has his son Telemachus journeyed? Why?
4. What news does Athena share with Telemachus?
The Meeting of Father and Son
5. Why is Eumasues so happy to see Telemachus? Give a line for support!
6. What important Greek value does Telemachus' and Eumaues' treatment of the unknown beggar (Odysseus) reveal?
7. How does Athena transform Odysseus just before he reveals his identity to Telemachus?
Skill Building - Emotions Chart Close Reading
Odysseus, Telemachus and Eumaeus experience a range of emotions when they are reunited and as they plan
vengeance on the suitors.
The Emotions Chart contains feelings that are experienced by a character at least once in Chapter XVI.
Locate and quote from the text an example of each emotion, and include the page number of the quote.
Emotion
Excitement
Anger at
Suitors
Pity / or Sorrow
Disbelief
Love
Quote
Page #
The Beggar and the Faithful Dog
1. Why is it ironic that Odysseus should return to Ithaca in beggar's rags?
2. What is Argos' condition when Odysseus sees him? In telling us how Odysseus's dog is kept,
what is Homer also telling us about conditions in Ithaca?
3. Why do you think Argos dies? Is this meant to be happy or sad? Give a reason for support!
4. What tale does the "beggar" tell Penelope? How does he describe Odysseus, and why do you
think he adds these details?
5. How is Penelope's interview with the beggar ironic?
6. What do we learn about the character of Penelope in her interview with the beggar?
7. Why do you think Odysseus continues to keep his identity hidden from his wife?
_____________________________________________________________________________
Drawing Irony
Suppose that you are the cartoonist for the Ithaca Post, and you wish to create an editorial cartoon
based on the events in The Odyssey. Locate a situation that you find humorous or ironic. In the box below, create a
sketch that portrays the humorous or ironic situation through exaggeration. Include a caption in the caption box.
Caption Box:
The Test of the Great Bow:
1. In setting up the test of the bow for the suitors, how is Penelope really suggesting she
is looking for Odysseus?
2. What does Penelope promise the winner of the contest?
3. Just before Odysseus steps forward to try the bow, he reveals his identity to two other people. Who are
they, and why does he reveal himself to them?
4. As the epic reaches its climax, two signs are sent from Olympus to indicate the gods' approval of Odysseus.
What are they?
EPIC SPEECH!!!
(15 project points)
Activity: Penelope delivers Odysseus’ bow to the suitors so that they may compete. The suitors are unable to
draw the bow, but they are shocked when Odysseus easily fires the weapon and hits the mark. At this
point, Odysseus is ready to reveal his identity.
Choose one of the following options and write a speech that is one to two pages in length:
_______Write an insightful speech for Penelope to present to the suitors when she relinquishes the bow.
In the speech, express Penelope’s opinion about the suitors’ past behavior, including the attempt
to murder her son. Also, express her outlook on the contest and how she feels about being the
prize. If possible, give evidence to support any accusations that Penelope makes. Remember,
Penelope is a bold woman who openly speaks her mind.
_______Write an informative speech for Odysseus to present to the suitors after he wins the contest. In
the speech, have Odysseus reveal his identity and briefly explain his whereabouts for the last
ten years. Also, state his intention, which is to kill the suitors, and his reasons why. If possible,
give evidence to support any accusations that Odysseus makes. When writing the speech, keep
in mind that Odysseus is enraged, and he feels justified in his mission.
5 points
You address each section
Content/Characterization in the prompt and provide
3 to 4 examples.
4 – 3 points
2 to 1 point(s)
You address some
Little attention is paid to
sections in the prompt and specific sections of the
provide 1 to 2 examples.
prompt. Weak support.
The work meets the length The work falls short of the The work is late and/ or
requirement.
length requirement.
does not meet the length
requirement.
You read your speech to
You read your speech but You have written a speech
Performance
the class and remain in
do not remain in
but will refuse to perform.
character. You take the
character. Or you choose
assignment seriously.
to summarize your speech
for the class.
EPIC CHALLENGE --- Earn yourself an Extra Credit point by creating an Epic Simile!
Length
EPIC SPEECH
Death at the Palace
1. List at least five images/examples of figurative language that help you picture some of the most tense or
most horrifying moments in the battle?
2. Is Odysseus revenge on the suitors and maids excessive? Defend your answer.
Odysseus and Penelope
3. Is Odysseus revenge on the suitors and maids excessive? Explain your answer.
4. How does Penelope test Odysseus after the battle?
5. What characteristic of their marriage bed suggests the strength and endurance of their love?
6. What do we learn about ancient Greek society from Homer's epic? Consider the following: treatment of
guests, man's relationship with the gods, view of the elderly, etc.
7. Discuss the meaning/etymology of the word "odyssey" in modern society based on your knowledge of the
epic poem.
Judgment Day
Activity
Odysseus reveals his identity to the suitors and accuses them of treasonous behavior. The suitors beg
for mercy, but Odysseus condemns and executes them.
Suppose that Odysseus, instead of killing the suitors, decides to put them on trial. Fill out the corresponding boxes
for both the prosecution and the defense.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Prosecution: The characters to be represented are Odysseus, Penelope, Telemachus, a lawyer, and witnesses to support the
case. Decide on the retribution being sought; collect supporting evidence from the book; form questions to ask the witnesses,
including cross-examination; and compose a closing argument for the court.
Defense: The characters are the suitors, represented by Antinoüs, Eurymachus, and Melanthius‚ a lawyer; and witnesses to
support the defense. Build a defense against the accusations; gather evidence from the book; form questions to ask the
witnesses, including cross-examination; and compose a closing argument for the court. Also, decide what form of punishment
the suitors are willing to accept.
Jury: The jury is composed of Ithacan elders, and size is determined by the amount of students left over after the other roles
have been filled. As the prosecution and defense prepare, the jury should compose a list of possible sentences for the suitors,
which will be voted on if the defense is found guilty. As you listen closely
to both sides, log your impressions, the essential evidence, and any observations you make for each character in the Judgment
Chart.
The Prosecution
The Defense
Odysseus
Overall impression:
Antinoüs
Overall impression:
Significant points or evidence:
Significant points or evidence:
Observations:
Observations:
Penelope
Overall impression:
Eurymachus
Overall impression:
Significant points or evidence:
Significant points or evidence:
Observations:
Observations:
Telemachus or Other Witness_________________
Overall impression:
Melanthius or Other Witness _________________
Overall impression:
Significant points or evidence:
Significant points or evidence:
Observations:
Observations: