Study Questions for Homer's Odyssey

You may choose to answer one or two of these questions as homework assignment.

Book 3: King Nestor Remembers

1) Read carefully the description of Nestor's hospitality. Why do you think Nestor was so generous? How does his generosity relate to Telemachus' relationship to his "guests" at home?

2) What does Telemachus learn here about his father?

3) What is the relationship between Poseidon and Zeus?

4) The battle over Troy in Achaean history is a foundational story. Can you find similar foundational stories in other national histories?

Book 4: The King and Queen of Sparta

1) What does Helen have to do with the battle of Troy?

2) Compare Helen's role to Penelope's and Clytemnestra’s. What are the similarities and differences? What is Helen's role in the battle of Troy?

3) Why does Helen put drugs into the drinks of the guests and hosts? What is her motive to keep them from dissolving anger?

4) Note the detailed description of the sacrifice for Pallas Athena in Book 4, line 420ff. Is there anything surprising to you? What are the gender characteristics of the victim? Why do you think the horns are sheathed in gold? Generally, why do you think people sacrificed something to the gods? Are there parallels to today’s offerings, victims, and sacrifices?

5) Do you think the Achean peoples and their neighbors, described in the Odyssey, followed a matrilineal or a patrilineal line of descent?

Map of Ancient Greece

Map of Odysseus's Travels