The Odyssey: Books 21-23 Questions
Book 21.41-140: “The Test of the Bow”
1. True or False: One of the suitors is able to string the bow.
Why can’t the suitors string the bow?
2. Who does the still-disguised Odysseus get to help him?
3. Why is this a good time for Odysseus to talk privately with these two men?
4. What character trait does Odysseus value in these two men?
5. How does Odysseus prove that he really is Odysseus without removing his disguise?
6. Briefly summarize the orders Odysseus gives his men.
Why does he tell Philoetius to lock the doors?
7. What is the reaction of the suitors when Odysseus asks to try the bow?
What is Penelope’s reaction?
Why doesn’t Penelope stay and watch the contest further?
8. What is Odysseus compared to in the epic simile as he strings the bow?
9. What is the reaction inside and outside the hall when he strings the bow?
10. How is the last scene, with Odysseus and Telemachus standing side by side, facing their enemies, an epic moment?
Book 22: “Death in the Great Hall”
1. Who is the first suitor to die?
2. Describe the reactions of the other suitors.
3. How does Eurymachus try to appease Odysseus?
4. What role does Athena play in the battle?
Book 23: “The Trunk of the Olive Tree”
1. Look at the picture on page 1163. What is Penelope feeling?
2. Why does Penelope talk to Odysseus in this way?
3. What does she tell Eurycleia to do that makes Odysseus angry?
4. What makes their bed unique?
5. How does Penelope finally know that it is really Odysseus?
6. What character traits do Odysseus and Penelope share?
7. What is Penelope compared to in the epic simile?
The Odyssey: Books 21-23 Questions
Book 21.41-140: “The Test of the Bow”
1. True or False: One of the suitors is able to string the bow.
Why can’t the suitors string the bow?
2. Who does the still-disguised Odysseus get to help him?
3. Why is this a good time for Odysseus to talk privately with these two men?
4. What character trait does Odysseus value in these two men?
5. How does Odysseus prove that he really is Odysseus without removing his disguise?
6. Briefly summarize the orders Odysseus gives his men.
Why does he tell Philoetius to lock the doors?
7. What is the reaction of the suitors when Odysseus asks to try the bow?
What is Penelope’s reaction?
Why doesn’t Penelope stay and watch the contest further?
8. What is Odysseus compared to in the epic simile as he strings the bow?
9. What is the reaction inside and outside the hall when he strings the bow?
10. How is the last scene, with Odysseus and Telemachus standing side by side, facing their enemies, an epic moment?
Book 22: “Death in the Great Hall”
1. Who is the first suitor to die?
2. Describe the reactions of the other suitors.
3. How does Eurymachus try to appease Odysseus?
4. What role does Athena play in the battle?
Book 23: “The Trunk of the Olive Tree”
1. Look at the picture on page 1163. What is Penelope feeling?
2. Why does Penelope talk to Odysseus in this way?
3. What does she tell Eurycleia to do that makes Odysseus angry?
4. What makes their bed unique?
5. How does Penelope finally know that it is really Odysseus?
6. What character traits do Odysseus and Penelope share?
7. What is Penelope compared to in the epic simile?