Plot Points
Who gathers Odysseus's bow and arrow for the contest?
Penélope
What does the contest Penélope proposes entail and what does the winner gain?
They must string Odysseus's bow and shoot a single arrow through twelve axes. The winner will become Penélope's husband?
"Tend your spindle. Return to your own hall. Direct your maids at work."
Telémakhos to Penélopê, tells her to return to her room before disguised Odysseus competes
"I find the two of you, alone among my people, longed for my coming" What theme does this quote represent? Explain.
Loyalty
Who does Odysseus reveal his identity to?
Eumaios and Philótios
Is Odysseus successful in the contest?
Yes he successfully strings the bow and then shoots it through the twelve axes
“Antínoös, discourtesy to a guest of Telémakhos—whatever guest— that is not handsome. What are you afraid of?"
Penélopê after Antínoös displays opposition and anger towards disguised Odysseus's request to compete
The Zeus thundered overhead, one loud crack for a sign." What theme does this quote represent? Explain.
Fate
What does Antínoös propose after failing to string the bow?
He proposes that they postpone the contest until the next day and make sacrifices to Apollo
What does Telémakhos instruct Penélopê to do before disguised Odysseus attempts the challenge?
He tells her to return to her hall
"You two, there, why are you sniveling? To upset the woman even more? Has she not pain enough over her lost husband? Sit down"
Antínoös after he sees the swineherd and cowherd sobbing
"Now flashed arrow from twanging bow clean as a whistle through every socket ring" What theme does this quote represent? Explain.
Power
Does Telémakhos successfully string Odysseus's bow on his fourth attempt?
No, he nearly strings it but gives up after seeing Odysseus signal for him to stop
How do the others react to disguised Odysseus competing?
Penélopê and Telémakhos support him while the suitors are against his participation in the contest
"I put it to Eurýmakhos above all and to that brilliant prince, Antínoös. Just now how wise his counsel was"
Odysseus before requesting to participate in the contest
"Give him the bow, and let us have it out!" What theme does this quote represent? Explain.
Xenia
What does Odysseus instruct Eumaios and Philótios to do?
He instructs Eumaios to bring him the bow and to instruct the women to lock their doors. He tells Philótios to lock the outer gate.
Where does the chapter end off for Odysseus and Telémakhos?
They stand together, armed and seemingly ready to battle
“Ho! Where do you think you are taking that, you smutty slave?” “What is this dithering?”
The crowd is shouting this in reaction to Eumaios bringing the bow to disguised Odysseus
"I promise you great trouble if you touch that bow." What theme does this quote represent? Explain.
Hubris