Read books 13-16 of the Odyssey carefully. Choose one passage from EACH book that you think is especially important, COPY it onto a piece of paper and write a  paragraph explaining what the passage you chose reveals about 1) a main character or his/her relationship to another main character 2) the culture of the Odyssey, or 3) one of the main themes of the Odyssey. DO NOT HANDWRITE THIS ASSIGNMENT!!

Book 13:

1. What does Poseidon fear will happen now that the Phaeacians, his own descendants, have honored Odysseus?
2. What is Poseidon's general attitude toward Zeus?
3. What does Odysseus tell Athena when he first meets her on Ithaca?
4. How does Athena respond to this?
5. How does Odysseus disguise himself for his return to Ithacan society and why?

Book 14:

1. Is Eumaeus an unusual character? Why/why not?
2. What does Eumaeus say about the gods and justice?
3. What does Odysseus tell Eumaeus about himself? Is it true?
4. Does Eumaeus know the laws of hospitality? Does he offer sacrifices?

Book 15:

1. Why does Athene tell Telemachus not to trust his mother?
2. What does Menelaus tell Telemachus about the host/guest relationship? What link is there between his words and the actions of other characters, such as Calpyso, Circe, the suitors, the Cyclops?
3. What gifts do Menelaus and Helen give Telemachus and what do you think they signify?
4. Who is Theoclymenus and what is his story? Why might he be a useful companion for Telemachus?
5. What is Eumaeus' life story and what does it suggest about the acquisition of slaves?
6. Why does Telemachus not invite Theoclymenus to his own palace?
7. What bird appears in the sky at Telemachus' words and how does Theoclymenus interpret it?

Book 16:

1. How and where does Odysseus first meet Telemachus? What happens at the meeting?
2. After Eumaeus leaves on his errand and Athene transforms Odysseus, what is Telemachus' first response?
3. What are the differences between the conversations Odysseus and Telemachus have before and after Eumaeus leaves on his errand?
4. What strategy do Odysseus and his son plan?
5. When the suitors hear of Telemachus' safe return, they hold a private assembly. What do they plan and why?
6. Penelope tells Antinous that he is ungrateful. What is her basis for this accusation and what does her story let the reader know?