Odyssey Part Two: REVIEW QUESTIONS
“The Beggar and the Faithful Dog”
1. Who suggests that Odysseus disguise himself?
2. What is Odysseus’ disguise?
3. Who is Eumaeus and what is his role in the story?
4. What are the suitors doing in Ithaca?
5. Who says, “I am the father that your boyhood lacked?” To whom are
these lines spoken? Explain the situation.
6. Who is Eurycleia?
7. Who is Argos? Where is he lying when we meet him?
8. How is Argos similar to Odysseus and the kingdom of Ithaca?
9. In lines 764 -777, what interesting quality do we see Odysseus’ project?
10. How are lines 778-781 ironic? (What is irony?)
11. What happens to Argos?
12. What qualities of Penelope are revealed in italics on page 929?
13. How is Odysseus treated by the suitors?
14. Why does Penelope invite Odysseus to visit with her?
15. What sign of respect and honor does Penelope show Odysseus?
16. How doesEurycleia discover Odysseus’ true identity?
Insert “Penelope to Ulysses” by Meredith Schwartz
1. How does Penelope trick the suitors?
2. What is the Homeric simile in lines 1 – 3 page 931?
3. What is the metaphor in lines 10 – 11?
4. What is the tone of the poem?
“The Test of the Great Bow”
1. Describe Penelope’s test of the bow? What is the purpose? What are the
guidelines?
2. Where is the Great Bow kept?
3. What does the phrase “spiked with coughing death” mean in line 816?
4. What two men secretly leave the hall?
5. What is Penelope’s reaction when she sees the bow?
6. Explain what occurs in lines 841-848? To whom are these lines spoken?
How do the men react to his request?
7. What does Odysseus promise to give the men? Why?
8. Describe what happens in lines 879-888.
9. Who sends the women out of the hall?
10. What does Telemachus do to assist Odysseus?
11. What stock epithet do we see in line 893-894? To whom does it refer?
What is the irony in this description?
12. How do the suitors react to the beggar’s attempt at stringing the bow?
13. What stock epithet do we see in line 900? To whom does it refer?
14. Why does Zeus thunder overhead in lines 911-912?
15. Describe what happens in line 919-922. What will be the end result of
this situation?
16. Describe what happens in lines 931-935. Which characteristic do these
lines describe?
“Death at the Palace”
1. Who is Antinous? What is he like?
2. Explain lines 940-941. Who is the target?
3. Explain lines 95l-955.
4. What is your opinion of Eurymahus in lines 980-994?
5. How does Odysseus react to Eurymachus’ speech?
6. Do you think the suitors’ punishment fit their crimes?
“Odysseus and Penelope”
1. How does Homer describe Penelope in the italics on page 942?
2. Why do you think Penelope has such difficulty recognizing Odysseus?
3. How does Penelope test Odysseus?
4. How does Odysseus react to her test?
5. Describe Odysseus and Penelope’s bed and the process Odysseus
used to build it?
6. How does Penelope react when Odysseus proves he is her true
husband?
7. Read lines 1123 -1125. How has Odysseus changed since we first met
him?