Odyssey 13-18 Study Questions

Identify: Eumaios, Dolios, Theoklymenos, Melanthios, Amphinomos, Iros, and Melantho.

 

Book 13

 

1. Why is the Phaiakian ship turned to stone?

2. Why does Odysseus not recognize his homeland?

3. How does Odysseus endear himself to Athene?

4. What is the relationship between Athene and Poseidon?

5. Why does Athene disguise Odysseus and how is this strategy similar to others mentioned in the epic?

6. What is Odysseus' first stop on his way into Ithaka from the shore and why?

 

Book 14

 

7. How is it possible for a swineherd to be "noble"?

8. What does Odysseus learn from Eumaios?

9. What is the function of the false autobiography Odysseus narrates to Eumaios?

10. How does Odysseus get a mantle for himself?

 

Book 15

 

11. What is the omen that Helen interprets and what does it indicate?

12. What is Eumaios' life story?

 

Book 16

 

13. How does Eumaios greet Telemachos and what does Telemachos ask him?

14. Why doesn't Odysseus identify himself to Telemachos immediately?

15. Why does Laertes live apart from the house?

16. What must Telemachos be able to do in order to carry out their plan?

17. Why does Antinoos propose to murder Telemachos?

 

Book 17

 

19. How much information does Penelope get from her son? From Theoklymenos?

20. What sort of servant is Melanthios? How does Odysseus react to him?

21. What happens when Argos the dog sees Odysseus in the house again for the first time?

22. What is the function of Odysseus' encounter with Antinoos?

23. How does Telemachos' sneeze affect Penelope?

 

Book 18

 

24. What is the function of Odysseus' fight with Iros?

25. Why does Penelope decide to show herself to the suitors? What effect does this have on the suitors and on Odysseus?