Book 16 summary Flashcards
1
Q
What happens when Telemachus arrives at the farm?
A
- Eumaeus asks him to take care of Odysseus
- Telemachus gladly offers Odysseus clothes and a sword
2
Q
What is the first thing that Odysseus says to Telemachus?
A
- He says that it upsets him to hear about the sad state of affairs at the palace, and that he wishes he could help fight the suitors
- He says that if he were Odysseus, he would deserve death if he didn’t fight his offenders, and he would gladly die trying to fight them rather than tolerate their insulting behaviour
3
Q
What does Telemachus tell Eumaeus to do?
A
- To go to the palace and tell Penelope that her son has returned home safely, but to tell no one else, not even Laertes
4
Q
What does Athena do after Eumaeus has left?
A
- She approaches the farm, but only Odysseus and the dogs can see her
5
Q
What happens when Athena comes to the farm?
A
- Odysseus walks outside to talk to her, and she tells Odysseus to reveal his true identity to Telemachus so that the two can plan their revenge against the suitos
- She makes Odysseus look like himself again
6
Q
What happens when Odysseus reveals his identity to Telemachus?
A
- Telemachus is amazed at Odysseus’ transformation when he steps back inside- he thinks he must be a god
- Odysseus tells him he is his father, and Telemachus can’t believe it at first, until Odysseus explains that Athena is responsible for his magical transformation
7
Q
What does Odysseus ask Telemachus after revealing his identity?
A
- He asks Telemachus to describe the suitors so that they can plan an attack
8
Q
What does Telemachus doubt, and how does Odysseus reassure him?
A
- Telemachus doubts that two men can defeat such a large group of suitors- over a hundred in total
- Odysseus reminds him that Athena and Zeus will stand by them as well
9
Q
What does Odysseus tell Telemachus to do as part of their plan?
A
- He tells Telemachus to go to the palace and mingle with the suitors
- Eumaeus will bring Odysseus, disguised as a beggar again, into town later
- Odysseus further instructs Telemachus to keep his return secret.
10
Q
Who brings news of Telemachus, and what is the reaction?
A
- Both Eumaeus and a herald from Pylos report to Penelope that Telemachus has come home
- The suitors are dismayed to hear the news, and they gather at the meeting grounds and complain that a god must have saved Telemachus’ life
11
Q
What do the suitors plan after finding out Telemachus has returned?
A
- Antinous proposes to murder him on home soil, but in secret, to avoid persecution
- Amphinomus suggests that they should only kill the prince if the gods are in favor of the murder, and the suitors all agree to this more moderate plan.
12
Q
What does Penelope do to the suitors?
A
- Penelope emerges from her chambers and confronts Antinous about his schemes against Telemachus
- She reminds him that Odysseus once saved his father, and shames Antinous for mistreating Odysseus’ land and wife in his absence
- Eurymachus tells Penelope that he will not let Telemachus be harmed, but his reassurance is dishonest
13
Q
What does Eumaeus do at the end of the book?
A
- He returns to the farm, and he, Telemachus and Odysseus eat and fall asleep
