Book 17 summary

Question 1

What does Telemachus do at the start of the book, and what news does he share with Penelope?

Answer 1

• He goes into the city, where the suitors are friendly to him despite their dark intentions
• He tells Penelope that Menelaus has heard that Odysseus had been trapped on Calypso’s island

Question 2

Who adds to Telemachus’ news of Odysseus, and what does he say?

Answer 2

• Theoclyemenus adds his prophecy
• He says that Odysseus is in Ithaca as they speak, plotting revenge

Question 3

What does Odysseus do at the start of the book, and what happens to him?

Answer 3

• Eumaeus and Odysseus set out for the city together, with Odysseus disguised as a beggar
• On the way, they run into the goatherd Melanthius, who insults them and kicks Odysseus
• Odysseus wants to hit him back, but he stays calm

Question 4

What happens as Odysseus and Eumaeus approach the palace?

Answer 4

• Eumaeus warns Odysseus that someone might hit or mock him, but Odysseus replies that he can withstand any humiliation after his years of wandering
• As they speak, Odysseys notices an old dog lying neglected in the dust and dung

Question 5

Who is the dog, and what happens?

Answer 5

• It’s Argos, who was once Odysseus’ puppy
• Master and dog recognise each other right away, but at that moment the old dog quietly dies

Question 7

What does Antinous do when Odysseus is begging?

Answer 7

• He flings a stool at him
• Odysseus responds to this by containing his anger, and telling the other suitros that such undeserved violence will meet with punishment from the gods
• The other suitors agree that the gods will strike down Antinous for his crime

Question 8

What do Telemachus and Eumaeus do and feel when Odysseus is being mocked?

Answer 8

• Telemachus is anguished to see his father abused, but he hides his feelings
• Eumaeus speaks briefly to the queen, and then goes back to his farm