Book 19
Who recognizes Odysseus's scar while washing his feet?
Eurycleia, his old nurse
Where does Odysseus sleep while waiting for the right moment to take revenge?
In the palace, near the hall where the suitors feast
What object does Penelope bring out for the suitors to compete over?
Odysseus's great bow.
What does Odysseus do after revealing his true identity to the suitors?
He begins killing the suitors.
Who does Telemachus meet when he returns to the hut of Eumaeus?
His father, Odysseus, who is disguised as a beggar.
What does Odysseus tell Penelope about himself while he is disguised as a beggar?
He gives her a fabricated story about his identity and claims to have met Odysseus.
Which god sends signs that encourage Odysseus and his allies before the battle?
Zeus, who sends a thunderclap; Athena also strengthens Odysseus's confidence
What must the suitors do to win Penelope's hand in marriage?
String Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through the holes of twelve axe heads.
Which two people help Odysseus fight the suitors?
Telemachus and Eumaeus (the loyal swineherd). Philoetius, the cowherd, also helps.
Who is the prophet that Telemachus encounters on his journey home?
Theoclymenus
What does Penelope say she will do with the suitors, and what does she plan to use to choose a husband?
She plans to hold a contest using Odysseus's bow and marry the man who succeeds.
What does the mocking maidservants' behavior reveal about the situation in Odysseus's palace?
Some servants have become disloyal, disrespecting the household and siding with the suitors.
What happens when Odysseus asks to try the bow, and how do the suitors react?
He strings the bow easily and prepares to shoot, astonishing the suitors and revealing his extraordinary strength and skill.
Why does Odysseus order the doors to be secured during the battle?
To prevent the suitors from escaping and to control access to the hall.
What warning does Theoclymenus give Telemachus about the future of Odysseus's household?
He prophesies that Odysseus is already in Ithaca and that the suitors face danger.
Why does Odysseus conceal his identity even after Penelope speaks honestly about her grief and loyalty?
He needs to protect his plan, assess whom he can trust, and choose the right moment to reveal himself.
How does Book 20 build suspense before the confrontation with the suitors?
Odysseus struggles to control his anger, receives divine signs, and witnesses the suitors' continued disrespect, foreshadowing the coming violence.
Why is the bow contest more than simply a competition for Penelope's hand?
The bow symbolizes Odysseus's identity and rightful authority; the contest creates the opportunity for him to reveal himself and reclaim his household.
How does the battle in Book 22 demonstrate the themes of justice and loyalty in The Odyssey?
Odysseus punishes the suitors for abusing his household and violating social obligations, while rewarding the loyalty of Telemachus and the faithful servants who help him.
How does Telemachus's journey home demonstrate his development as a character?
He becomes more independent and decisive, takes responsibility for his household, and begins acting like a mature leader rather than a helpless young man.