“The Test of the Great Bow,” “Death at the Palace,”

and “Odysseus and Penelope”

(p. 932-945)

  1. Why is Odysseus’ bow carefully guarded in the storeroom?
  1. Explain the personification phrase “the quiver spiked with coughing death.”
  1. Explain the test that Penelope offers to the suitors. What are the two parts of the test? What will the winner receive? Why does she offer a test like this?
  1. “The suitors’ test” is an archetypal situation. Identify other movies where a character must pass a difficult test to prove he is worthy. Can you think of any movies where various suitors must prove themselves to win a woman’s hand in marriage? Explain the similarities.
  1. Explain Odysseus’ internal conflict as he speaks with the swineherd and the cowherd. What is ironic in his statement, “Suppose he dropped out of a clear sky”?
  1. Why does he choose to reward the swineherd and the cowherd after he reveals his true identity to them? How does he prove he is indeed Odysseus?
  1. How is Penelope’s acceptance of the beggar as a competitor for her hand ironic?
  1. What steps does Odysseus take to prepare for the final showdown with the suitors? How do these actions help you to learn something about his character?
  1. What epithet is used to describe Odysseus as he prepares to string the bow?
  1. Describe the simile used to further explain how Odysseus handled his bow. What is the “familiar” thing and what is the “unfamiliar” thing to which it is compared?
  1. What do you think is the literary purpose of the thunder sent down by Zeus? What does it suggest that Zeus thinks about Odysseus?
  1. After Odysseus successfully completes the test, he tells Telemachus, “The hour has come to cook their lordships’ mutton.” What does this phrase mean?
  1. Why do you think Telemachus is called the “true son of King Odysseus”? What qualities that his father possesses does Telemachus demonstrate?
  1. What does the metaphor or comparing the arrows to rain suggest about the arrows?
  2. Why does Odysseus ask Apollo for help as he prepares to use the bow?
  1. Who is the first suitor killed by Odysseus? What is he doing when he is killed and why are these actions fitting?
  1. Explain the simile that is used to describe how he bleeds. What is the “familiar” and what is the “unfamiliar”?
  1. Why can the other suitors not find arrows or shields?
  1. What phrases does Odysseus use that suggests he thinks the suitors are cowards?
  1. What is your opinion of Eurymachus, the other chief suitor? Do you think his words are genuine or he is a clever fellow trying to get his way out of trouble?
  1. What simile is used to describe the suitors’ reaction to Athena’s appearance in the Great Hall?
  1. How are the attackers (Odysseus, Telemachus, the swineherd and the cowherd) like falcons?
  1. Do you think the suitors deserve such harsh punishment or do are they validated by the Greek laws of hospitality?
  1. Why does the poet describe Penelope as the perfect mate for Odysseus? What qualities do they have in common?
  1. Why does Penelope not believe that the suitor is indeed Odysseus? What does she decide to do? Based on what you know about Penelope, what adjectives could be used to characterize her? Why does she find it hard to believe that Odysseus is really who he says he is?
  1. Do you think Telemachus acts appropriately when he scolds his mother for not immediately accepting his father as the true Odysseus?
  1. Why do you think Odysseus is patient with Penelope and does not mind that she questions his identity?
  1. Do you think “greathearted” is an appropriate epithet for Odysseus? Why or why not?
  1. How does Penelope make sure that Odysseus is really her husband? What is her secret test? What is their secret sign?
  1. What further qualities or Penelope are revealed in this episode? How do these qualities make her the perfect companion for Odysseus?