Book 22

In book 22, Odysseus defeats the suitors. Odysseus decides to kill the worst of them first, whom are Antinoos, then Eurymachus . Why do you think he kills the worst of all the suitors first instead of saving "the best for last"? Would you make the same choice as Odysseus in this situation and why? After many deaths Odysseus is still outnumbered by the suitors and is beginning to be cornered. Athene shows up disguised as Mentor, however Odysseus recognizes her and calls for help. Does Athene immediately help Odysseus or Telemachus? why or why not? Do you think this is the climax compared to the rest of the epic? why?

Bood 22 Post

In Book 22, Athena plays an important role, especially when Odysseus starts to fight the suitors. Athena, disguised as Mentor, does not offer assistance in the fight right away, but eventually does. Why do you think that Athena does this? Then when Odysseus regains power officially, of his estate, after killing all of the suitors, he orders Telemachus to go execute the maid women who work under them outside, right after they finish cleaning the blood out of the palace hall. Why does Odysseus want them dead? Also, where was Melanthius, one of the suitors, while all of this ruckus was going on? What does Odysseus do to Melanthius after the all the commotion? Would you have done what Odysseus had done to Melanthius, and the other suitors, if you were in Odysseus' shoes? Why? Also, what is your favorite color? Why?

book 23

In book 23 Penelope does not beleive Eurycleia when she says Odysseus has returned. She accuses the maid of mocking her. Why do you think Penelope is so defensive? Why is Penelope so resistant against just going downstairs and seeing for herself if it's him? Then once Penelope goes to see her husband after twenty years she just sits there, not even looking at him. Why do you think she does this? If you were her do you think you would have had the restraint to not greet someone you've been waiting for after so long?

Book 24

In book 24, we read about the dead suitors going down to the underworld. In the underworld, what do Agamemnon and Amphimedon talk about and what is Agamemnon's reaction. Later on in the book, Odysseus tests his father Laertes. When he finally reveals himself, Laertes is reluctant to believe him, and he asks for proof. This seems to be a common trend when Odysseus is revealing himself to various people. Why do you think it is so common? In the end of book 24, Athena continues to play a very important role. Why is Athena very important in thethe conclusion of book 24?