Name_____________________________________
The Odyssey Homework
Books 13-19
Answer homework questions on a clean (non-fringy) piece of notebook paper.
In Book 13, Odysseus, laden with gifts, is returned in secret to Ithaca in one of the magically
swift Phaeacian ships. In Ithaca, Athena herself appears to the hero. She advises him how to proceed and
disguises him as a beggar. Notice that this new hero of the postwar age of disillusionment will achieve
success not only by physical power but by guile and wisdom.
In Book 14, Odysseus, in his beggar disguise, finds his way to the house of his old and trusty
swineherd, Eumaeus. Eumaeus is the very image of faithfulness in a servant- a quality much prized in
Homer’s society. The introduction of the so-called servant class is unusual in epic poetry, and it indicates
Homer’s originality. Odysseus is simply but politely entertained in the swineherd’s hut, but he remains
disguised from Eumaeus.
In Book 15, we go back to Telemachus, who is still with Menelaus and Helen. The plots of the
father and the son are now about to be brought together. Athena appears to the boy and she advises him
to return home. She warns him that the evil suitors plan to ambush him. Telemachus boards a ship for
home, lands secretly in Ithaca, and heads toward the cottage of the swineherd. As father and son move
closer and closer together, the suspense in the audience must have been great. Now Homer is ready for
what could be the most dramatic moment in the epic.
Now, start reading Book 16 ”Father and Son,” lines 1-104.
1. What is the primary literary device used in this scene with the three men
discussing the problems plaguing Ithaca? Explain its purpose here.
Not realizing the stranger is his father, Telemachus agrees to protect the old man, but he tells
him he cannot stay in the palace hall, for fear of his own safety. The swineherd Eumaeus is sent to
Penelope with the news of her son’s return. Now it seems even Athena cannot stand the suspense any
longer. She turns to Odysseus, still in his beggar rags; read to find out what she does next, lines
202-304.
In Book 17 “The Beggar at the Manor,” Telemachus returns to the family compound and is
greeted tearfully by his mother and his old nurse Eurykleia. A soothsayer (psychic/medium) tells
Penelope that Odysseus is alive and is already in Ithaca. The suspense builds as Odysseus, once again
disguised as a beggar, finally returns to his home accompanied only by the swineherd. He has been
away for twenty years. Only one creature recognizes him when he speaks. Read lines 375-422.
2. What is Argos' condition when Odysseus sees him? Knowing this, what is
Homer suggesting about the conditions in Ithaca? How might Argos be
symbolic of the hero Odysseus?
In the hall, the beggar is taunted by the suitors, who are showing off their strength playing
athletic games; Penelope supports the beggar, however. She has heard that the ragged stranger claims to
have news of her husband. Unaware that this beggar IS her husband, she invites him to visit her later in
the night to talk about Odysseus.
In Book 18, “Blows and a Queen’s Beauty,” Penelope appears among the suitors and chastises
Telemachus for allowing the stranger to be so badly abused. She certainly must have warmed her husband’s
heart by saying this. She also praises her lost Odysseus to this beggar man.
In Book 19, “Recognitions and a Dream,” the suitors depart for the night. Odysseus and
Telemachus discuss their strategy on how to deal with the suitors. Then, the wily hero meets, as
appointed, Queen Penelope- with his own agenda-he wants to test her loyalty as well as the maids’.
Remember that some of the maids have not been loyal to the household and have worked with the suitors
against them. The faithful wife Penelope receives her disguised husband. We can imagine the tension
Homer’s audience must have felt. Will Odysseus be recognized? Read lines 120-193.
The beggar then tells a tale about his origins, pretending that he met Odysseus on his travels. He
cannot resist praising the “lost” hero and he does so successfully enough to bring tears to Penelope’s eyes.
This pleases Odysseus. Read lines 240-277.
3. Odysseus maintains his secret identity by telling “tall tales” to his wife Penelope.
How does he describe Odysseus and why does he describe him in this way?
The storyteller beggar reveals that he has heard Odysseus is alive and is even now sailing for home.
Penelope calls for the nurse, Eurykleia, to wash the guest’s feet-a sign of respect and honor. What follows
is a tense scene of emotional suspense. Eurykeia speaks to the beggar. Read lines 441-462. Then read
lines 542-552.
4. Aside from just being the “servant nurse,” who is Eurykleia to this family?
What does she discover about this old beggar man and how does she discover it?
Quickly, Odysseus swears Eurykleia to secrecy. Meanwhile, Athena casts a spell on Penelope so that
she has taken no notice of this recognition scene. Penelope adds to the suspense by deciding on a test for
the suitors the next day. Without realizing it, she has now given Odysseus a way to defeat the suitors.
5. How is Penelope characterized in these books? Consider her actions towards
Odysseus, the disguised beggar.
6. What is Odysseus’ motive for keeping his identity from his wife? Was this
smart or cruel? Explain.
7. Consider the three themes introduced in book one. How have these books
advanced the themes? Discuss all three themes in your answer.