Odyssey+19

Chapter 19 - Eurycleia Recognizes Odysseus

=

 * The chapter begins with Odysseus and Telemachus hiding all the weapons in the house so that when they attack the Suitors, they will not be able to defend themselves against Odysseus and Telemachus. Then a maid calls Odysseus out as being disguised so he tells her he is not Odysseus and says that Odysseus will return soon though. Penelope hears this and the two start talking about Odyssues, which is major irony since he is Odysseus. Then Penelope asks Odysseus who he is and he responds by telling her a long story of how he is Aethon, a man who hosted Odysseus for a while at the beginning of his trip. At first penelope believes him, but then she asks him to tell her what Odysseus was wearing. To answer this question Odysseus gives a very vivid description of Odysseus, which makes Penelope cry. Later when Eurycleia bathes Odysseus in disguise she notices a scar that the real Odysseus got when he was a kid and realizes it is him. When she tries to tell Penelope of this, Odysseus scolds her and tells her not to tell Penelope of his return. Then Penelope returns to talk to odysseus and tells him of a dream she had in which an eagle destroys some geese, which she believes symbolizes Odysseus returning to kill the Suitors. In the end Odysseus helps Penelope decide to make the Suitors perform an impossible task that only Odysseus could accomplish, but if anyone succeeded she would marry that Suitor. **=====

Major Themes:
Disguise pg. 252- 258  Growth and Development of Telemachus pg.250  Davine Intervention pg. 231  Loyalty pg.261 

Locations Traveled:
Ithica



Study Guide Questions: (Helen)
He will say that they were damaged in the fire and he rescued them. He also should say that he doesn't want them to start arguing with each other and accidentally injure themselves and spoil the festivities.
 * How will Telemachus explain the hidden weapons to the suitors?**

She wishes to see if there is any news of Odysseus.
 * Why does Penelope want to question the beggar?**

She asks him about the clothes Odysseus was wearing when he saw him.
 * How does Penelope test the beggar to see if he is telling the truth about Odysseus?**

Thick, double, purple, cloak, with a golden broach with a pair of sheaths which the pins fitted.
 * Describe what Odysseus was wearing when the beggar met him.**

He supposedly went there to find the will of Zeus.
 * Why did Odysseus supposedly go to Dodona?**

He will only allow an old and trusty woman who has seen as much as he to wash his feet.
 * Who will Odysseus allow to wash his feet?**

She recognizances him by his voice, feet, and unique scar.
 * How does Eurycleia recognize Odysseus?**

Odysseus got his name because his father was at odds with many men which is what his name means.
 * How did Odysseus get his name?**

He got it from the white tusk of a boar on a visit to Autolycus and his sons. He was trying to kill the boar but was injured while he was pursuing it.
 * How did Odysseus get his scar?**

All the ducks were killed by an eagle. The ducks represented the suitors and the eagle represents Odysseus.
 * What does Penelope dream of?**


 * What test does Penelope propose for choosing a suitor?**
 * To see who could shoot an arrow through the most axes. Whoever shoots it through the most she would marry.**