English I Honors – Group 4 (pp. 871 to 883)
Cover the following items. You may use the computer, Elmo, etc. to project visuals of
your presentation. Explain these items in your own words and use examples in your
explanations. Be sure to utilize the audio pronunciation guide (http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/mycenaean) so that you correctly pronounce the names and
words during your presentation!
Introduction:
Explain the role that strangers played in Greek culture during Homer’s time period. (see
p. 871)
FATHER AND SON—
As you explain what happens in Father and Son, please be sure to tell the story to the
class in your own words. Keep in mind the Freytag Pyramid and summarize the
exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and moral or lesson of the
story in your own words. Be sure to include the following as you retell this tale:
In your own words, summarize the text in italics on page 872. Why might the suitors
have tried to kill Telemachus? How have the suitors betrayed Odysseus? Why does
Athena most likely disguise Odysseus as a beggar?
Why did Telemachus not believe his father at first? What are your impressions of
Telemachus? What does this section show readers about heroes? At the end of the section
“Father and Son,” in what sense is Odysseus’s journey far from over?
The Beggar at the Manor—
As you explain what happens in “The Beggar at the Manor”, please be sure to tell the
story to the class in your own words. Keep in mind the Freytag Pyramid and summarize
the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and moral or lesson of the
story in your own words.
RESEARCH—Views on Hospitality in Ancient Greece. (page 871 and RESEARCH)
(Consider Zeus was the protector of strangers, as well as the defender of oaths and the
patron of suppliants.) What did the Ancient Greeks believe was appropriate hospitality?
Why? Why does this view of hospitality play a role in the story of The Odyssey?
Be sure to include the following as you retell this tale in your own words:
In your own words explain the italicized section on page 875 and consider the logic
behind not telling Penelope about Odysseus’s return. Why is it necessary? Is it logical?
Characterization--What do we learn about Antinous in lines 1 to 11? Use specific
examples from the text to support your analysis.
1 Why do the suitors suspect they are not dealing with a simple beggar? (read aloud
Odysseus’s response in lines 31-42) What qualities has Odysseus demonstrated which
suggest nobility?
How is Antinous a foil to Odysseus? Contrast them.
Compare Antinous’s violation of hospitality to the Cyclop’s behavior in Part 1, in which
the monster rejects Odysseus’s argument that strangers should be given a hospitable
reception.
Telemachus knows that the abused beggar is his father Odysseus in disguise. What
emotions does he feel and what do those emotions cause him to contemplate? (Lines 6263) From what you have read so far, how would you characterize Penelope? Consider her
own words in lines 75 to 81. In your own words explain the italicized section between
line 85 and line 90. How does this set the scene for the reunion between Odysseus and
Penelope? Odysseus compares Penelope to a good king. Explain how this comparison
may be hinting at his own identity. (Lines 94 to 102)
Explain how this scene is an example of dramatic irony. Examine line 109 in which
Odysseus says to Penelope, “…it is not well forever to be grieving.” What might he
mean? How could this also be an example of verbal irony? (Might Odysseus have
another meaning to his words?)
Examine Penelope’s reply (lines 113 to 156). Further develop Penelope’s character with
specific examples. What characteristics do Odysseus and Penelope share?
What might have happened if Odysseus had come home one month later? Why was this
the perfect time for him to arrive home? (See lines 150-151)
The Test of the Bow—
As you explain what happens in “The Test of the Bow”, please be sure to tell the story to
the class in your own words. Keep in mind the Freytag Pyramid and summarize the
exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and moral or lesson of the
story in your own words. Be sure to include the following as you retell this tale:
Review Penelope’s history with the suitors. Explain and evaluate her choice of a contest.
Based on the earlier characterization of Antinuous, why do you think he delays his
attempt to use the bow? What does Odysseus do when he picks up the bow? (lines 14 to
17) Why? How do the suitors react to “the beggar” participating in the contest? (lines 18
to 25) What does this tell the reader about their ‘class’ bias? In lines 28 to 34, to what
does Homer compare Odysseus? What do these comparisons add to his
characterization? What might Odysseus be thinking as he takes his shot?
Explain what Odysseus may mean when he tells Telemachus, “The hour has come to
cook their lordships’ mutton.” (lines 60—see footnote) METAPHOR
Even though Odysseus’s journey to come home is over, his struggles are not over. What
trials must he still face?
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