Assignment for books 17-20

Read books 17-20 carefully. Please print out the list of questions and bring it to class.
Book 17:

1. Describe Telemachus' encounter with Penelope in Book 17. What do we learn from it?
2. Telemachus does not spend time with the suitors, the men his own age. Who are his companions?
3. What happens when Odysseus' meets Melanthius? What do you think is the significance of this episode?
4. What does Eumaeus say about servants and masters?
5. Telemachus urges Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, to beg from each suitor in turn. Why?
6. How does Antinous respond to Odysseus' begging?
7. What story does Odysseus tell Antinous and what is its effect?
8. On pp. 269-271, what sort of situation is building up? Has Odysseus faced similar situations? If so, when? If not, what is unique about this situation?
9. What happens during Odysseus' first encounter with Penelope? What is interesting or surprising about it?
10. As Book 17 progresses, for what do most of the characters wish or pray? As you find examples, do you see any pattern emerging?

Book 18:

1. What is the purpose of the scene in which Odysseus fights the beggar Arnaeus (Irus)?
2. Describe the encounter between Odysseus and Amphinomus. What do you think the reader is supposed to learn from this encounter?
3. What does Athene inspire Penelope to do and say, and what is her effect on the suitors? What does Odysseus think about her words to them?
4. Who is Melantho and what is the significance of her actions?
5. What has the presence of Odysseus as beggar done to the feasting and party of the suitors?
6. What is the situation at the end of Book 18?

Book 19:

1. What is the first step in Odysseus' plan against the suitors?
2. In the next encounter between Odysseus and Penelope, what story does Odysseus tell Penelope about his life? How does it compare to other stories he has told in Ithaca?
3. What is Penelope's dream and how does Odysseus interpret it for her?
4. What contest does Penelope propose to give the suitors for her hand? How does this compare to the contest of wealth that we have seen in other bride competitions, including the one that has so far been occurring among the suitors?

Book 20:

1. What two important questions does Odysseus ask Athene about getting rid of the suitors?
2. For what does Penelope pray?
3. Odysseus prays to Zeus for omens both within and without the palace. Does he receive them?
4. What omen appears while the suitors are plotting to kill Telemachus, and what does Amphinomus say about it.
5. What does Telemachus tell the suitors about his childhood, and what effect does it have on them?
6. What strange thing happens at the feast and what does Theoclymenus say about it?
7. What situation has built up by the end of book 20? What do you think will happen next?