The Odyssey Part II Study Guide
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Flashcards based on key concepts and information from The Odyssey Part II lecture notes.
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What is happening at Odysseus' homestead when he returns?
A group of men is at his house trying to kill his son, Telemachus, while being disloyal.
Who is Odysseus' son?
Telemachus.
Who disguises Odysseus and what is his disguise?
Athena disguises Odysseus as an old beggar.
Who is the first person Odysseus visits upon his return?
Eumaeus, the old swineherd.
What advice does Athena give to Odysseus?
To reveal himself to Telemachus.
Why is Odysseus' cloak white?
To make him appear wealthy.
How does Athena transform Odysseus' appearance?
She makes him look young, strong, handsome, and clean.
What is Telemachus' reaction to seeing the 'new' Odysseus?
He is shocked and thinks he is a god, feeling fearful.
What comparison does Homer use in his simile in this passage?
The cries of the men are compared to baby birds taken away by a farmer.
What is Odysseus' reputation?
He is known as a fighting man, skilled in weapons and the tricks of war.
How many foreign men are living on Odysseus' estate?
118 men.
Why does Odysseus believe he can defeat the suitors?
He thinks he can with help from Athena and Zeus.
What advice does Odysseus give to Telemachus regarding the suitors?
To keep cool if they abuse him, gather and hide weapons.
Who is Argus?
Odysseus' old dog.
What does the description of Argus symbolize?
The lack of loyalty from the servants.
What is Odysseus' reaction at the sight of Argus?
He begins to cry.
What does Eumaeus believe has happened to Odysseus?
He believes Odysseus is dead in some far place.
What effect does Odysseus' absence have on his household?
The people lack the will to work and do not take care of his belongings.
What happens to Argus when he sees Odysseus?
He becomes excited to see Odysseus and then dies.
Who is Antinous and how is he described?
A haughty suitor.
What is the nature of the exchange between Odysseus and Antinous?
It is a bickering exchange over food.
What trait is revealed about Odysseus during his altercation with Antinous?
His guile and patience.
What is foreshadowed about Antinous?
He will be dead before his wedding day.
What are others' reactions to Antinous' behavior?
They are mortified and some stand up to him.
What is Telemachus' reaction to Antinous, and what does it reflect about him?
He just sat there and shook his head, showing his frustration.
Who is Penelope and why does she want to speak to the beggar?
Odysseus' wife, who suspects he is her husband and wants to inquire about him.
How does Odysseus compare Penelope?
He compares her to the sweet honor of a God-fearing king.
Why does Odysseus avoid telling Penelope his identity?
To maintain the element of surprise for his plan.
What does Penelope think of the suitors?
She does not like them.
How does Penelope delay marrying any of the suitors?
By weaving and unweaving a shroud each night.
What does Penelope feel she must do now regarding marriage?
She feels she must marry.
What does Odysseus the beggar promise Penelope?
That her husband is alive and will return soon.
What challenge does Penelope present to the suitors?
Striking Odysseus' bow and sending an arrow through twelve axes.
How is Penelope's challenge fitting for her situation?
It is fitting because she desires a husband like Odysseus.
To which more modern folk tale is Penelope's challenge compared?
Robin Hood.
Why do the suitors mock Odysseus and what is his reaction?
They mock his skill with the bow out of jealousy, but he strings it easily.
What does Homer compare Odysseus to during the challenge?
An artist or musician.
What does Odysseus suggest should happen next after the challenge?
That it is time to feast, which is ironic as it leads to him planning to kill the suitors.
Why does Odysseus choose a feast to take revenge?
All the suitors will be gathered, drunk, and unaware.
Who is the first suitor killed by Odysseus?
Antinous.
Why does Homer describe Antinous in such detail before his death?
To make the moment more dramatic.
How does Odysseus revealing his identity now show his growth?
He does it strategically, unlike his revealing before the Cyclops.
Is Odysseus justified in ignoring Eurymachus?
Yes, he should make his own choices, not influenced by Antinous.
What is Eurymachus' plan during the confrontation?
To let the others go and then rally men to fight.
What trait does Telemachus show in lines 1342-46?
He thinks strategically and is similar to Odysseus.
Who helps Odysseus and Telemachus against the suitors?
Eumaeus, a cowherd, and Athena.
What does Homer compare the battle scene to?
A fisherman hauling in struggling fish.
What does Penelope seek to prove by testing Odysseus?
She wants to confirm he is indeed her husband.
How does Athena alter Odysseus' appearance?
She makes him taller, massive, and beautiful.
How did Odysseus construct his bed?
He shaped the bed around the olive tree stump.
What is Penelope's test for Odysseus?
To see if he knows that their bed cannot be moved.
Is Penelope justified in her caution?
Yes, due to Odysseus' long absence of 20 years.
How does the story conclude in 'Postscript'?
Odysseus is home with his family and finds peace.