Discussion Questions Book 18 (by Carly)

What is the significance of Odysseus being portrayed as a beggar? How is his character revealed throughout the chapter? When the two beggars are fighting, why does Odysseus choose to not demolish Irus? What does this show about his character?

Book 18

In book 18 of the Odyssey, Irus fights Odysseus disguised as a beggar because he thinks he will win the fight easily. But Irus soon finds out that it will not be an easy fight. Have you ever been put into a situation like Irus? Where you jump into a situation thinking it will be easy, but then it turns out to be harder than you expected? If so, what happened? In this book do you think Telemachus continues to mature? Also, why would Odysseus warn Amphinomus about what he is going to do, when Amphinomus has been courting his wife?

Book 17

Book 17 is all about Odysseus returning to his home (as a beggar) and testing the suitors. Homer adds the part where Telemachus is telling Piraeus to keep Telemachus' gifts hidden. This is an example of being an extrovert and thinking of others. Why would Homer do this? What does Theoclymenus' prophecy and Penelope's response show about Penelope's true feelings? Why? Why do you think Odysseus decides to act stoically towards the rude actions of Melanthius? What does the sad encounter of the old dog, Argos, truly show? What is the irony of Antinous' argument?

Book 16 Questions

In this book we witness Odysseus reunite with Telemachus. Based on their reaction, what does this tell us about the Greek attitude towards the expression of emotion? How do we know Telemachus has matured in this book? How does this book show Telemachus is like his father? How does it show he is different? Do you think that this is the climax of the book? Why or why not?

In book 15 of the Odyssey Xenia is the one of the most present themes. Eumaeus show his hospitality numerous times to a lowly beggar. If you were in this situation would you have done the same thing? Why or why not? (Keep in mind that you don’t know the beggar is Odysseus and the culture involved) Why has this concept of xenia declined throughout history and modern people would almost never let a stranger stay in there home and shower them with gifts?

Book 14 blog

Odysseus, Penelope, Telemachus, and Eumaeus all faced many challenges and obstacles both physically and emotionally. In what ways do their hardships relate to each other? Who do you think had the easiest/hardest challenge to overcome? If you had to become one of these four characters which one would you want to be and why? Why do you think Homer put Eumaeus in the story (what is role and what does he show us about Odysseus)?

Book 13 Questions

What does Alcinous tell all his men to do before Odysseus leaves? Why? Why do you think that Odysseus doesn't believe he is in Ithaca when he is? What do you think would happen if Athena didn't disguise Odysseus as a beggar as when he entered Ithaca? What is the main point of Book 13 and explain how it connects to the 1st 12 books?