The Odyssey

1
The Odyssey

• Part Two The Homecoming
• Books 16 and 17

2
Book 16 Father and Son

• Odysseus finally leaves King Alcinous to head
  toward Ithaca. Once upon the shores of his
  homeland, Athena appears to disguise Odysseus.
  Odysseus needs this disguise to surprise
  Penelopes suitors.

3
People to Know

• EumaeusOdysseus swineherd (servant), whom he
  first stays with once back in Ithaca. He does not
  know that it is Odysseus that is staying with
  him.
• PenelopeOdysseus wife-she does not recognize
  him
• TelemachusOdysseus sonhas been traveling to
  Pylos to find out about Odysseus, he has been
  traveling for 10 years
• Athenagoddess that has been helping Odysseus
  during his entire journey Athena disguises
  Odysseus into a old man/beggar

4
Background

• A palace like the one belonging to Odysseus stood
  in the center of town. The chief or king held
  court in a large chamber with a circular hearth,
  and retainers slept in a vestibule outside.
  Often, husbands and wives slept in separate
  chambers and boys stayed with the women until
  school age. Girls stayed home to learn how to
  cook, weave and care for children.

5
Book 17 The Beggar at the Manor

• Odysseus, still disguised as a beggar, arrives
  with Telemachus at his home, with Eumaeus
  following shortly behind. Upon his arrival, he
  sees his dog, Argos, now old and mistreated this
  saddens Odysseus. When he enters his home, he is
  faced with Penelopes suitors, and they ridicule
  him.

6
Remember

• Eumaeus and Telemachus still have not seen
  through Odysseus disguiseTelemachus learns
  about his return first
• Odysseus reveals his identity to Telemachus and
  they have a tearful reunion.
• Once inside his home, Penelope asks to speak
  with the beggar and also does not recognize him,
  but something about him seems familiar to her

7
Watch for

• Characteristics of an Epic
• Epic plotthat spans many years
• Epic settingthat spans great distances/lands
• Epic themesthat reflect timeless concerns such
  as courage, honor, life and death
• Archetypespatterns found in works across
  different cultures/times ex loyal servant,
  intervention of the gods, heroic battles,
  fighting monsters, suitors contest