BOOK 15: THE PRINCE SETS SAIL FOR HOME
Athena comes to Telemachus to urge him to return to Ithaca. He quickly responds. Menelaus and Helen shower Telemachus and Pisitratus with gifts. Interestingly, it is Helen who interprets "an eagle clutching a huge white goose in its talons" as a signal of Odysseus' return to Ithaca. (Remember the other example of augury that we had in the Telemachy?!) When they arrive near Pylos, Pisistratus agrees that it best that Telemachus not stop for Nestor's sense of hospitality would waylay him. Just before departing on his ship (that conveniently seems to await him) Telemachus agrees to take aboard the exiled prophet Theoclymenus. The book then returns to Eumaeus and Ithaca. This time Odysseus asks Eumaeus to tell his story. Like Odysseus' invented history, Eumaeus’ actual history is one of many twists and turns, including a kidnapping by his "nurse" who had been seduced by a Phoenician sailor. After she is ultimately punished by Artemis, Eumaeus lands on Ithaca where Odysseus' father Laertes buys him. Odysseus is as moved by the swineherd's tale as the swineherd was by Odysseus'. As they turn in for sleep, Telemachus lands in Ithaca successfully, but secretly. He will not return to his home, but has been directed by Athena to go to the swineherd's farm.
BOOK 16: FATHER AND SON
Pay attention to (and mark in your book):
· Reunions (first of Eumaeus and Telemachus, then of Telemachus and Odysseus)
· the irony in several situations; Eumaeus' emotions, Telemachus' self-control, Odysseus' discipline ("or are your brothers at fault?")
· Athena's role
· Penelope's position and response
· the importance of loyalty (Eumaeus, Penelope)
Points to Ponder:
1. How does Eumaeus greet Telemachus?
2. What errand is Eumaeus sent on?
3. Why does Odysseus reveal his identity to Telemachus?
4. How does Odysseus' look when he reveals himself to his son?
5. How does Telemachus react when Odysseus identifies himself?
6. What are the three major points of strategy in the plan which Odysseus tells to Telemachus?
7. How does Odysseus' look when he reveals himself to his son?
8. What does Antinous try to get the suitors to do?
9. Who offers a different perspective?
10. How does Penelope learn of what the suitors are thinking?
11. How does Penelope react to this information?
12. Which of the suitors attempts to reassure her?