The Return
This disguise allows Odysseus to enter his palace unnoticed after returning to Ithaca.
What is a beggar?
Argus shows this strong character trait by waiting for Odysseus for many years.
What is loyalty?
The suitors break this important Greek value by overstaying in Odysseus’ house.
What is hospitality?
Penelope avoids marrying the suitors by using this clever trick.
What is weaving and unweaving the shroud?
This is the test Penelope gives the disguised beggar to confirm Odysseus’ identity.
What is the bow challenge?
Odysseus reveals his identity to this loyal son after years of absence.
Who is Telemachus?
This happens to Argus right after seeing his master.
What is death?
The suitors show this negative character trait by eating and wasting Odysseus’ wealth.
What is greed?
Penelope’s behavior is similar to Odysseus because they both show this trait.
What is intelligence/cunning?
The proof that only Odysseus is able to succeed in this challenge shows this.
What is he is the true king of Ithaca?
This Greek value is shown when Odysseus carefully plans revenge instead of acting immediately.
What is self-control?
The moment Argus sees Odysseus mainly creates this feeling in the reader.
What is sadness/emotion?
This is what the suitors do to Penelope while waiting for Odysseus.
What is pressure her to choose a new husband?
Penelope tests Odysseus before fully trusting him, showing this trait.
What is caution?
The suitors fail the challenge, showing this weakness.
What is lack of strength and skill/arrogance?
This trait is shown when Odysseus thinks carefully before acting against the suitors.
What is intelligence?
Argus waits for Odysseus for this long period of time.
What is 20 years?
The suitors’ actions show they believe this about Odysseus.
What is that he will not return?
This is what the disguised beggar reassures Penelope about during their conversation.
What is that Odysseus will return home alive?
Odysseus completes the challenge while still in disguise, showing this trait.
What is patience and self-control?
The return to Ithaca mainly represents this larger idea in the epic.
What is homecoming?
This is what Argus’s weak and neglected condition symbolizes about Ithaca during Odysseus’ absence.
What is the decline or decay of Ithaca?
The suitors insult Odysseus without knowing his identity, showing this flaw.
What is arrogance?
Penelope’s actions contrast with the suitors to highlight this theme.
What is loyalty vs betrayal?
The challenge represents this theme in the epic.
What is appearance vs. reality?