The Odyssey Part II Penelope and The Challenge

The Odyssey Part II: “Penelope” and “The Challenge”

Literary Analysis • Epic Simile • What is Odysseus describing in lines 12891297? • The renown of Penelope’s name • To what does he compare it? • The honor of a god-fearing king

Historical and Cultural Context • Penelope is weaving a burial shroud for her father-in-law. • How might weaving a shroud honor the person who died? • The Greeks believed that they were clothing the person in fine garments in preparation for the afterlife. • How do we honor the dead in our culture? • How do the Greek ideas compare with our modern ideas? • Both observe rituals while the Greeks observed theirs more strictly.

Critical Thinking • Who does Telemachus think Odysseus is when they first reunite? • A beggar then a god • Compare Odysseus’s emotions with those of Telemachus at their reunion • Telemachus is first confused and skeptical then excited while Odysseus is anxious the whole time.

Critical Thinking • Describe Antinous’s treatment of Odysseus. • He belittles and abuses Odysseus. • Why do you think Antinous treats Odysseus this way? • He believes Odysseus is a beggar and, therefore, beneath him.

Critical Thinking • What does Odysseus tell Penelope about himself? • He is a wanderer with a past too painful to reveal. • Why do you think Odysseus chooses not to reveal his identity to his wife? • He is not ready to trust that his wife has been loyal, or he wants to wait until he has executed his plan.

Critical Thinking • Which of Odysseus’s responsibilities are revealed in this section? • It reveals his responsibilities to keep his family safe and to defend his wife’s honor. • Do you think he manages them heroically?