The Odyssey - Books 13-16

Question 1

How does Odysseus return home?

Answer 1

Asleep on the Phaeacian ship

Question 2

What symbolizes that the place Odysseus lands is safe?

Answer 2

There are Olive trees

Question 3

How does Poseidon punish the Phaeacians?

Answer 3

He strikes down their ship and pins it to the bottom of the ocean with rock. He also planned to build a mountain range around their port.

Question 4

Why doesn’t Odysseus know he is in Ithaca?

Answer 4

Athena mists him

Question 4

How does Odysseus please Athena when he gets to Ithaca?

Answer 4

He does not run directly to his home and identify himself, he also tries to hide his true identity from her saying that he is a fugitive.

Question 5

How does Eumaeus show that he is loyal?

Answer 5

He immediately says that he loves Odysseus. He says he misses Odysseus more than his own parents.

Question 6

Character: Eumaeus

Answer 6

The loyal swineherd

Question 7

How does Odysseus test Eumaeus?

Answer 7

He tests his hospitality and also tests him using the cloak. Eumaeus offers great hospitality despite not having anything extra; he also gives Odysseus his only cloak.

Question 8

Why does Athena tell Telemachus it is time to go home?

Answer 8

His mom is urged to choose someone to marry.

Question 9

What is the Omen that Helen interprets?

Answer 9

The eagle omen - an eagle clutching a goose. Helen says that Odysseus will descend on his own house and take revenge against the suitors.

Question 10

Character: Theoclymenus

Answer 10

The seer from Argos who Telemachus picks up. He is running from home because he killed a family member

Question 11

What information does Eumaeus provide for Odysseus?

Answer 11

1. That Laertes is suffering because he misses Odysseus
2. That Anticleia has died of grief for her son
3. Penelope is solemn and secluded since Odysseus left
4. Suitors are taking over and ruining everything
5. Telemachus has gone on a journey

Question 12

What is Theoclymenus’ prophecy>

Answer 12

He sees a hawk flying with a dove in his talons. He says this shows that Odysseus’ line will rule in Ithaca forever.

Question 13

What is Odysseus’ emotional test concerning Eumaeus and Telemachus?

Answer 13

He has to stay quiet and watch Telemachus call Eumaeus “father” and hear Telemachus call him “stranger”

Question 14

In what ways does Odysseus test Telemachus?

Answer 14

He asks if he has any brothers and tests his hospitality.

Question 15

Who can see Athena when she decides it is time for Odysseus to reveal himself?

Answer 15

Only Odysseus and the dogs

Question 16

How will Odysseus and Telemachus beat the suitors?

Answer 16

With Zeus and Athena on their side

Question 17

What should Telemachus do when he gets back to the palace?

Answer 17

1. Do not react to any harm done to Odysseus
2. When it is time, hide all the weapons except two sets
3. Tell the suitors you hid them for their own protection
4. Tell NO ONE that Odysseus is home

Question 18

Character: Amphinimous

Answer 18

A suitor who has had a change of heart and does not want to kill Telemachus unless the gods say it is necessary

Question 19

Why is it wild that Antinous wants to kill Telemachus?

Answer 19

Because Odysseus saved his father from being killed when he was a fugitive with men after him

Question 20

How does Eurymachus prove to be terrible?

Answer 20

He tells Penelope that no harm will come to Telemachus while he is alive, but plots his murder