The Bow & Arrow
Who brought out the bow and arrow and challenged the suitors to an archery contest?
What is Penelope?
How does this action show Penelope's agency over her own fate, now that Odysseus has been gone?
How does Antinous react to the beggar (Odysseus) asking if he could try the challenge?
What is insulting the beggar?
In truth, what is Antinous really afraid of? How does this book suggest about judging people based on social status or appearance?
What were the names of the two slaves who remained loyal to Odysseus when he returned to his palace?
Who are Eumaeus and Philoetius?
Why do you think they remained loyal after the 20 years of Odysseus's absence? What does this show about the impact Odysseus had on his servants?
What did Odysseus show to Eumaeus and Philoetius that proved his identity?
What is his boar scar?
How does the scar represent Odysseus's journeys? Why does Odysseus feel he has to test loyal servants instead of trusting them immediately?
Whose bow and arrow does Penelope bring out for the contest?
Who is Odysseus?
What could the bow be symbolizing? Provide examples.
How many suitors attempted the competition? How many were successful?
What is? All suitors attempted the competition, and none succeeded.
How do the suitors exemplify hubris during the competition?
Why does Penelope finally let the suitors compete for her hand in marriage?
What is delaying her marriage?
How can this show Penelope's loyalty toward Odysseus?
Who is odysseus disguised as? How does this help him get vengeance?
What is being disguised as a beggar to gain information and test his slaves loyalty without causing suspicion?
How many attempts did Telemachus make with the bow? What caused him to stop?
What is attempting and failing 3 times before being stopped by his father before he could attempt a fourth?
What did the suitors do once they faced failure with the bow and arrow?
What is cheating by heating and greasing the bow?
How does this exemplify hubris (the act of being so overconfident that it results in downfall)?
What is the reward for Odysseus' servants' loyalty?
What is Odysseus's promise of land, freedom, and status as brothers to Telemachus?
How does Odysseus reveal his true identity?
What is stringing the bow/shooting through the axes?
What does Odysseus's victory in the challenge reveal about his role in the house?
What is his position as king/master of the household?
This suitor briefly shows kindness and allows the beggar a chance with the bow
Who is Eurymachus?
Why do you think he would've done that. Discuss with your groups.
How do the suitors mock the servants' loyalty?
What is Antinous mocking Eumaeus and Philoetius for weeping upon seeing Odysseus' bow?
Homer's portrayal of Odysseus as the appearance of weak on the outside contrasts with one of Odysseus's hidden traits, which is what?
What is strength or intelligence?
How does his disguise give him power rather than weakness? Why do you think Odysseus couldn't keep his control when taunting Polyphemus, but now he can?
What heroic traits within Odysseus did this contest show?
What is control/skillful strategy?
Why are the suitors so confident prior to Odysseus shooting the bow and arrow?
What is the belief that Odysseus will never return?
What does the contest secretly reflect for Penelope?
What are her hopes for Odysseus's return?
What do you think would have happened if Odysseus hadn't returned?
The disguise theme suggests that true authority does not always depend on visible displays of this.
What is strength, wealth, or status?
How does Odysseus maintain authority and control while disguised as a beggar? What examples show this? Why do you think Odysseus doesn't reveal his identity straight away?