Book 7

Question 1

What happens when Nausicaa reaches her father’s palace?

Answer 1

Her brothers gather around her unharnessing the mules from the cart and carried the clothes indoors. Nausicaa then retired to her apartments where a fire had been lit.

Question 2

Why does Athene make Odysseus invisible?

Answer 2

She was concerned for is welfare. Worried that a high-handed Phaeacian might cross his path and insults him and asks him who he was.

Question 3

How did Athene make Odysseus invisible?

Answer 3

By enveloping him in a thick mist.

Question 4

How does Athene show Odysseus the way to the house of Alcinous?

Answer 4

Disguised as a little girl, telling him to follow her without word and to look at nobody.

Question 5

What does Athene advise Odysseus of?

Answer 5

To approach Arete first as she is very wise. She is looked upon as a goddess and is very well loved and respected woman.

Question 6

Why is it unusual what Athene advises?

Answer 6

Normally you would approach the owner of the house.

Question 7

What is Alcinous’ palace described as?

Answer 7

A splendid dwelling, a bronze threshold.

Question 8

What were the bronze walls topped with?

Answer 8

A frieze of dark blue enamel.

Question 9

What was the mansion guarded by?

Answer 9

Golden doors hung on posts of silver which were set in the bronze threshold.

Question 10

What else was supported by silver?

Answer 10

The lintel.

Question 11

What was the door handle made of?

Answer 11

Gold.

Question 12

On either side of the door what stood?

Answer 12

Gold and silver dogs which Hephaestus had made to keep watch over the palace.

Question 13

Inside what was there?

Answer 13

Chairs which were draped with a delicately woven cover.

Question 14

What did maids in the palace do?

Answer 14

Grind apple-golden corn in the hand mill, some weave at the loom, or sit and twist yarn.

Question 15

Why was the maid’s work good?

Answer 15

Athene has given them outstanding skill in beautiful crafts and such fine intelligence.

Question 16

What was growing in the palace?

Answer 16

Pear, pomegranates, apple trees, sweet figs and olives.

Question 17

What was special about the food?

Answer 17

It never fails all year round and is always perfect.

Question 18

When appearing at the Phaeacians banquet what did Odysseus do?

Answer 18

Threw his arms around Arete’s knees and became visible again.

Question 19

Why did he throw his arms around her legs?

Answer 19

To plead for help.

Question 20

Why was Odysseus’ petition good?

Answer 20

He called her father godlike and called himself a supplicant to her husband. After flattery he then asked for help.

Question 21

Who criticises Alcinous?

Answer 21

Echeneus because he doesn’t do anything when Odysseus sits down.

Question 22

How does Alcinous show xenia?

Answer 22

He makes his favorite son move, so that Odysseus can sit. They then made a libation to Zeus and sends everyone else home asking that they come the next day.

Question 23

How do the gods normally honour the Phaeacians?

Answer 23

They sit at their side during a banquet in true form.

Question 24

How does Odysseus display nostos?

Answer 24

He tells Arete that when he gets back home he shall be content to breathe his last.

Question 25

What does Arete notice about Odysseus?

Answer 25

He is wearing a tunic which she made with her women’s help.

Question 26

What does Odysseus tell Alcinous?

Answer 26

He recounts his escape from Calypso’s island. He also pays Nausicaa complements saying she gave him xenia.

Question 27

Why does homer include this recap?

Answer 27

To remind the audience of what has happened.

Question 28

What does Alcinous offer Odysseus?

Answer 28

The chance to marry Nausicaa and to have a house of riches for them to live in.

Question 29

Why is Alcinous’ offer different to Calypso’s?

Answer 29

He is not being forced into it, he has a choice.

Question 30

How does Arete demonstrate xenia?

Answer 30

She gives her maids instructions to put a bed in the portico and to furnish it with the finest purple rugs, and to spread coverlet over these to and to add warm blankets on top.

Question 31

How does Odysseus seem smart in book 7?

Answer 31

He did what Athene told him to, so that he could get to the palace safely.

Question 32

How does Odysseus show himself to be a Homeric hero in book 7?

Answer 32

He demonstrates nostos by telling Arete that he will be able to breathe his last when he gets home. He also wraps his arm around her legs, showing his desperation.

Question 33

How is Odysseus again nimble-witted and smart in book 7?

Answer 33

When pleading for Arete’s help he remembers to compliment her so that she will feel flattered and more likely to help him.

Question 34

What shows Alcinous is loved by the gods?

Answer 34

The amount of gifts around his house.

Question 35

How is Alcinous smart in book 7?

Answer 35

He listened to Odysseus he didn’t arrest him. He also offered Nausicaa’s hand in marriage which shows he sees the heroic qualities in Odysseus.

Question 36

How is Arete kind in book 7?

Answer 36

She hears him out and tries to help him. She also makes the bed very carefully for him.

Question 37

What shows Arete is smart in book 7?

Answer 37

She notices the tunic when no one else does.

Question 38

How does Athene help Odysseus in book 7?

Answer 38

She helped him get to the palace by disguising him under a thick mist. She also disguises herself as a young girl so she could lead him safely. Moreover she advised Odysseus to approach Arete first.