The Odyssey – Part II
English I – Mr. McCoy
Topeka West H.S. – Spring 2009
Name __________________________ Hr __
Book 21 – “The Test of the Bow” (944-954)
1-31
32-51
Summary
Penny declares contest of stringing O’s
hunting bow and shooting an arrow through
12 axe heads to win her hand in marriage.
Antinous tells Eumaeus to quit crying over
Odysseus and let them get to the task that
Penelope sets forth. O vows to kill Anti.
52-90
O reveals himself to Eumaeus and Philoteus
and enlists their support against the suitors.
91-107
O tells Eu and Philo to lock the gate and tell
the women to stay locked in their rooms
even if they hear fighting or groaning of
men.
Eurymachus says we are humiliated being
compared to Odysseus.
Odysseus, disguised as an old begger, tells
the suitors to give him a chance at stringing
the bow.
Penelope says to the suitors. Let him try. It
isn’t going to happen. The beggar doesn’t
to marry me. Eu. Brings the bow to O.
Telemachus orders Eumaeus to take the bow
to Odysseus and not listen to the suitors
orders.
Eu. Orders women to stay in their rooms no
matter what they hear.
Philo locks the gate.
The suitors make fun of O before he strings
the bow easily.
Zeus thunders an omen and O sends an
arrow through all the axeheads.
Telemachus grabs his sword and prepares to
fight next to his father.
108-121
122-130
131-159
160-172
173-180
181-186
187-206
206-219
220-232
Questions/Comments
Is this even possible? Why are these three
people crying? (Penny, Eumaeus, Philoteus)
Indirect Characterization –
Actions/Speech Homer is showing the
negative attributes of Antinous immediately.
He is unkind to the servant class.
Christian parallels to Christ after the
crucifixion? Reveals himself, faithful people
rewarded, etc.
4 vs. 100? Really? Are these guys really
going to be able to take down 100 suitors?
He should be concerned about stealing food
and trying to steal O’s wife, Penelope.
Why is Odysseus spending the time playing
this game when he could just show himself
as who he really is?
Nice dramatic irony here Mr. Homer. We
know who Odysseus is and that he is setting
up a plan, but the suitors don’t.
Why are these guys so concerned about the
women staying in their rooms?
The plan is in motion! I’m excited.
Is Billy Shakes writing again? Where did
that joke come from?
Hmm…supernatural forces at work?
Characteristic of an epic. Zeus is playing.
It is on now, but how will four men win the
day? O and Tele and the two others are still
severely outnumbered.
Book 22 – “Death in the Great Hall” (955-960)
Summary
Questions/Comments
233-252
253-275
276-291
292-299
Alter Ego?
300-321
322-332
Another suitor, Amphinomus, attacks
Odysseus. Telemachus kills Amphinomus
with a spear.
The reader sees that Odysseus’ son is also
strong in battle.
333-358
Blue
Paragraph
(pg. 960)
Value/Lesson: Include an explanation with an example.
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Book 23 – “The Trunk of the Olive Tree” (961-964)
Summary
Questions/Comments
359-370
371-379
380-388
389-411
Alter Ego?
412-438
439-449
Epic Simile? What two things are being
compared?
Character Cheat Sheet
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




Telemachus – Odysseus’ son
Penelope – Odysseus’ wife
Eumaeus – Odysseus’ swineherd/servant
Philoeteus – Odysseus’ cowherd/servant
Eurycleia – Odysseus’ female servant
Eurynome – Odysseus’ female servant
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Antinous – Penelope’s suitor
Eurymachus – Penelope’s suitor
Amphinomus – Penelope’s suitor