READING GUIDE: The Odyssey, Books 16-24
English IV AP / Mrs. Ramos
Assignment
Read Books 16-24 (p.240-370) for Thursday, Dec. 14. Take notes as you feel appropriate. I will test / quiz /
discuss on any character, place, event or reference. The main ones, however, are listed below.
FOCUS: As you read this final section, focus on:
1) How Odysseus is using the lessons he has learned on his voyage to reclaim his kingdom
2) The use of dramatic irony
3) The use and effect of epic similes
*NEW Characters
Returning Characters from 1-8
Melanthius (mel ANTH thee us)
Argus (ARR gis)
Arnaeus (arr NAY us) / Irus (EYE russ)
Melantho (mel ANTH oh)
Eurycleia (yur ICK lee uh)
Philoetius (fill OAT ee us)
Leodes (lee OH dees / lay OH dees)
Phemius (FEE me us)
Eupeithes (you PIE these)
Eumaeus (you MAY us)
Antinous (an TIN oh us)
Medon (MED on)
Laertes (lay AIR tees)
Dolius (DOE lee us)
Important Events
Book 16
 How does Odysseus reveal his true identity to Telemachus? How does the reader feel at this revelation?
 Odysseus and Telemachus make a plan. What is it they want to accomplish? How do they plan to accomplish it?
 Why are the suitors angry?
Book 17
 What is the significance of beggar Odysseus seeing Argus again?
 Describe the treatment beggar Odysseus is given as he goes into town.
Book 18
 Why does beggar Odysseus have to fight Arnaeus / Irus? What is the outcome of that fight?
 How are the maids characterized?
Book 19
 What does Telemachus do to prepare for the showdown with the suitors?
 How are the maids further characterized?
 KNOW WHAT OCCURS IN THE DISCUSSION BETWEEN PENELOPE AND BEGGAR ODYSSEUS.
 What does Odysseus achieve by telling Penelope the details of his travels?
 KNOW HOW EURYCLEIA COMES TO RECOGNIZE ODYSSEUS.
 KNOW PENELOPE’S PLAN FOR CHOOSING A SUITOR TO MARRY.
Book 20
 In what way is “the stage set” in this book?
 KNOW HOW TELEMACHUS TAKES CONTROL OF THE SUITORS.
 How does Penelope’s act of pulling up her chair at the end of the book symbolize the reader?
Book 21
 KNOW HOW ODYSSEUS RECEIVED HIS GREAT BOW.
 What transpires as the suitors attempt to win Penelope?
 How do the herdsmen help in the plot against the suitors?
 How is suspense created in book 21?
Book 22
 Why is this book the climax of the epic?
 In what way does Odysseus reveal his identity to the suitors?
 Who is Odysseus’ first victim and why is it symbolic?
 In what way does Melanthius betray Odysseus?
 KNOW HOW ATHENE HELPS ODYSSEUS DURING THE BATTLE IN THE HALL.
 BE ABLE TO GIVE EXAMPLES OF ODYSSEUS SHOWING / NOT SHOWING MERCY.
 KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO MELANTHIUS.
 KNOW HOW THE DISLOYAL MAIDS ARE KILLED.
Book 23
 KNOW HOW PENELOPE DISCOVERS ODYSSEUS HAS RETURNED.
 KNOW THE WAYS PENELOPE TESTS ODYSSEUS.
 Why is the epic simile that describes Penelope and Odysseus’ first embrace in 20 years especially appropriate?
 Is The Odyssey a love story?
Book 24
 Achilles, Ajax and Agamemnon are hanging around the edge of Hades when the souls of the suitors arrive in a big
group. How do they react?
 Why does Odysseus travel after his reunion with Penelope?
 What causes the final battle of the book? What is the outcome?