Coming Home
This is where Odysseus returned home to
Ithaca
This is why Penelope supports the "beggar" when the suitors taunt him.
What is she has learned the beggar has news about her husband, Odysseus?
Penelope uses this as a test for one of the suitors to win her hand in marriage.
What is Odysseus's bow?
Argos symbolizes faithfulness but also the decline of this city.
What is Ithaca?
This is a lengthy, narrative poem that tells the story of a heroic figure's remarkable achievements and legendary adventures.
What is an epic poem?
This is how Odysseus returned home
What is a magically swift Phaeacian ship?
This was a sign that Argos recognized Odysseus even though he was in disguise.
What is Argos wags his tail?
These are the two men Odysseus ask to bear arms with him and Telemachus.
Who are Eumaeus (swineherd) and Philoetius (cowherd)?
This symbolizes identity, strength, and skill.
What is Odysseus's bow?
This is an extended comparison that develops a simile over several lines of verse, often found in epic poetry.
What is an epic simile?
This is who advised Odysseus to disguise himself upon his return.
Who is Athena?
This is what happened to Argos, who had seen his master after twenty years.
What is Argos dies?
This is how the suitors reacted when "the beggar" wanted to try the bow.
What is the suitors refuse to allow a mere beggar to try where they have failed?
They symbolize disorder and destruction.
Who are the suitors?
This an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.
What is an epithet?
This is the group of people who have overrun Odysseus's palace and plan on ambushing Telemachus upon his return.
Who are the suitors?
The "beggar" who Penelope defends and welcomes into the palace spins a yarn about this person.
Who is himself (Odysseus)?
This is what Eumaeus tells the nurse to do wit Penelope and the maids.
What is retire to their chambers and bolt the doors?
This symbolizes that true worth is internal and not external (hint: think of the dramatic irony in the beggar and the faithful dog).
What is Odysseus's disguise?
This is a common storytelling template where a hero goes on an adventure, faces a major crisis, and returns home transformed
What is the hero's journey?
The king is entertained by this faithful servant but remains disguised!
Who is Eumaeus?
This is how the old nurse, Eurycleia, recognizes Odysseus.
What is the scar on his leg?
This god gave a sign of one loud crack allowing Odysseus to know he had his blessing for what was about to happen to the suitors.
Who is Zeus?
The suitors feasting in Odysseus's palace symbolizes this.
What is greed?
This means excessive pride or self-confidence.
What is hubris?