The Odessey Book 19 Flashcards
What was the first instruction Odysseus gave Telemachus in Book 19?
He told Telemachus to hide the suitor’s weapons
What did Telemachus instruct Eurycleia to do?
To shut the women in their rooms and lock the doors
What happens when Melantho is attacking Odysseus? [2]:
- Penelope came to defend him even though he was a mere beggar in her palace
- This presents Penelope as loving and compassionate, a wife befitting of Odysseus
What questions does Penelope ask Odysseus? [4]:
“Stranger, I must first ask you. Who are you and where do you come from? What is your city, and who are your parents”
What happens after Penelope asks Odysseus her questions? [3]:
- Odysseus offers convincing evidence that he knew her husband
- Penelope seems suspicious about his identity
- She then assigns Eurycleia the duty of bathing Odysseus, her guest
How does Eurycleia recognise Odysseus?
- She recognises a scar on Odysseus’ leg
- He received the scar from a white-tusked boar when hunting on Parnassus when he was younger
How did Odysseus receive his scar?
He received the scar from a white-tusked boar when hunting on Parnassus when he was younger
Who named Odysseus and what was the meaning behind it? [3]:
- Autolycus( Odysseus’ grandfather
- “Then let this child be named Odysseus, man of suffering”
- The name Odysseus is thought to be derived from the Greek word odyssomai which means ‘to hate’
What creates tension after Eurycleia discovers Odysseus’ identity? [3]:
- Euryclia almost reveals Odysseus’ disguise to Penelope
- However, Athena distracts Penelope while Odysseus warns Eurycleia not to do so
- This may be a plot device to regain the audience’s attention to this exciting tale
What does Penelope tell Odysseus after his bath? [2]:
- After the bath, Penelope rejoins the beggar/Odysseus and reveals that she will conduct a contest the following day to select a husband and satisfy the suitors
- The challenge involves a feat that only Odysseus has performed before: stringing his great bow and shooting an arrow through a straight row of twelve axes. Odysseus enthusiastically approves of her plan
Book 19 analysis [4]:
- This section of the epic is primarily concerned with the question of Odysseus’ identity
- Scholars often debate whether or not Penelope is aware that it is her husband standing beside her
- Some argue that Penelope is unaware as a woman’s intellect was not valued in greek society
- On the other hand, some scholars believe that Penelope is a unique woman by mycenaean standards as she is often referred to as ‘wise Penelope’ and even had the capacity to trick the suitors for several years
