| If you were Telemachus or Penelope, how would you react to the stranger’s arrival? | Even though Odysseus arrives disguised as a beggar, you might be more curious and intrigued than Telemachus and Penelope seem to be. |
| Who does Telemachus think Odysseus is when they first reunite? | Telemachus first thinks Odysseus is a beggar. Then, after Odysseus confers with Athena and changes his appearance, Telemachus thinks he is a god. |
| Compare Odysseus’ emotions with those of Telemachus at their reunion. | Telemachus is at first confused and skeptical, then throw his arms around his father and begins to cry. Tears run down Odysseus’ face as he reveals himself to his son. |
| Who is Argus? | Argus is Odysseus’ dog, left behind when he went to war. |
| How does Argus react to Odysseus’ return? | Argus recognizes his master’s voice and raises his head, but is too feeble to move from where he lies. |
| Is it a coincidence that Argus dies just when Odysseus returns? | It is not a coincidence… with his master’s return, Argus’s duties are at an end and he can die. |
| Describe Antinous’ treatment of Odysseus. | Aninous berates Odysseus, who is dressed as a beggar, and throws a stool at him. |
| Why does Antinous treat Odysseus so badly? | Antinous is described as “black-hearted” and later as leader of the suitors. His treatment of Odysseus could be seen as a display of his power, OR as a simple contempt for humanity. |
| How does Penelope feel about the suitors in her house? | Penelope does not want to marry any of the suitors and resents their presence, thought she considers Antinous worse than the others. |
| How might Odysseus’ feelings about the suitor’s differ from Penelope’s? | Penelope may know some of the suitors personally because they have been in her house for a long time, but Odysseus sees them as an undifferentiated mob that is invading his home and threatening his marriage. |
| What does Odysseus tell Penelope about himself? | Odysseus initially tells Penelope that he is a wanderer with a past too painful to reveal. |
| Why does Odysseus choose not to reveal his identity to his wife? | He may feel that he is not yet ready to trust that his wife has been loyal to him. Or, he may not want to reveal too much until he has executed his plan. |
| Is it wrong for Odysseus to deceive his wife? | Some people think that it is always wrong to deceive a loved one. Others may say that Odysseus is acting in their mutual best interest – that to successfully execute his planned revenge, it is best not to involve his wife. |
The Odyssey Part 2 Study Questions p1037
April 20, 2020