Themes
Does Wilson describe a theme of Justice or Revenge in Book 22?
Justice - “Now you will pay for all your crimes.”
"Dogs? So you thought I would not come back home from Troy?"
Odysseus
Who is the first suitor Odysseus kills?
Antinous
How does Odysseus reveal himself?
By declaring his identity after stringing the bow
Is the violence described briefly or in detail?
In detail (why is that important?)
What core Greek value did the suitors violate?
Xenia (Host/guest relationship - hospitality)
"Now father, I will fetch a shield for you"
Telemachus (101)
How is Antinous killed?
Shot through the throat with an arrow by Odysseus
What role does Telemachus play in Book 22?
He fights alongside Odysseus, showing maturity
Are all people in the household spared?
No
Does the text present the violence as completely justified?
No - “They dropped and died… one after another…” tone shows brutality
"I refuse to grant these girls a clean death"
Telemachus (463-464)
What is the suitors’ immediate reaction?
Panic, denial
What do Eumaeus and Philoetius represent?
Loyalty
Are the disloyal servants punished?
Yes
Does the tone of Book 22 make the violence feel heroic or unsettling?
Unsettling - “The blood ran everywhere"
"But now the one responsible is dead - Antinous!"
Eurymachus - (49-50)
Why can’t the suitors effectively fight back?
They lack weapons and are trapped - strategy of Odysseus
What is Eurymachus’ strategy when confronted?
Blames Antinous - tries to negotiate
Would sparing the suitors align with Odysseus’ actions in this book?
No (why is that?)
Does Book 22 ultimately support or question the idea that violence restores order?
Supports (Discussion)
"My lord, that little sneak, the man we all suspected, it going to the stores!"
Eumaeus - (164-165)
What is the outcome of the battle?
All the suitors are killed.
Overall, how is Odysseus portrayed in this book?
Justified yet ruthless (discussion)
Does the ending of Book 22 feel purely triumphant?
No - undertone of brutality takes away from the moment