The Odyssey Part Two: The Return of Odysseus
Name: ______________________
1. What does Athena reveal to Odysseus about the situation he will find at home?
2. Why is Telemachus initially doubtful that the man before him is Odysseus, his
father?
3. Who does Telemachus think Odysseus is when they first reunite? Compare
Odysseus’ emotions with those of Telemachus at their reunion.
4. What does Odyssues’ statement in lines 1109-1110 suggest about ancient Greek
beliefs about the gods’ interest in human affairs?
5. How does Odysseus tell his son to respond if the suitors “practice shots” on
Odysseus?
6. How does Antinous react to Odysseus, who is disguised as a beggar? Why do you
think Antinous treats Odysseus as he does?
7. What values regarding the use of physical force are evident in lines 1238-1241?
8. What ancient Greek belief is conveyed in the suitor’s speech in lines 1254-1259?
9. How does Penelope regard Antinous?
10. What does Odysseus tell Penelope about himself? Why do you think Odysseus
chooses not to reveal his identify to his wife?
11. How was Penelope able to delay marriage for three years?
12. Which of Odysseus’ qualities is highlighted in the simile in lines 1372-1379?
13. What means does Penelope decide she will use to choose a husband?
14. What planning does Odysseus do before he battles the suitors? How does his
planning help him defeat his opponents?
15. Whom does Odysseus kill first? Does the manner in which he kills him agree with
your idea of a “fair fight”? Explain.
16. What cultural values are revealed by Odysseus’ explanation for his anger in lines
1441-1444?
17. What does Eurymachus offer Odysseus to try to calm his anger? What does
Odysseus’ response reveal about his character?
18. What cultural values are reflected in Telemachus’ behavior toward his father?
19. Who helps Odysseus defeat the suitors?
20. Are Odysseus’ actions in dealing with the suitors consistent with his actions in
earlier episodes of the epic? Explain.
21. How does Odysseus describe Penelope’s attitude toward him? What does her doubt
about her husband’s return suggest about her character?
22. What is Penelope’s test, and how does Odysseus pass it? Why does Penelope feel the
need to test Odysseus even though he has abandoned his disguise?
23. How is Penelope an appropriate companion for Odysseus?
24. Who do you think faced greater hardships—Odysseus or Penelope? Explain.
25. (a) Name one of Odysseus’ cultural beliefs, attitudes, or practices that is similar to
an idea or a tradition in your own culture. (b) Name one that is significantly
different. (c) Do you think that Odysseus’ values are unique to his culture, or are
they universal? Explain.