Book XVIII The Beggar King of Ithaca

Jaylen's questions:
Why do Arnaeus (Irus) and the ‘Beggar’ start a fight? What was the outcome of the fight, and who congratulates the Beggar that wins the brawl?

Why do you think Odysseus tries to help Amphinomus, and tells him to leave before the violence occurs? What does this say about Odysseus? What does this say about Amphinomus that he doesn’t leave?

In what ways does Athena manipulate everyone? Odysseus? Penelope? Suitors?

Book 17: Stranger At The Gates

Was Eurycleia happy to see Telemachus ("Mr. T")?  What about Penelope?  how did they react when they saw him?

What did Telemachus tell Penelope before she went up to her room?  Why do you think he told her about his part of the story before the news her brought about his father?

In you opinion, why was Antinous so cruel to the "beggar"?

What does the "beggar" say to Antinous when asking him for a bigger portion of food?  What was his story?

Book XVI

Finally Telemachus and Odysseus are reunited. Do they act like you thought they would? How would you act if you were in their footsteps?
What is Oddysseus and Telemachus' plan to get rid of the suitors?
Do you think they gods will help them when they try to kill the suitors?
What do you think the suitors will do now that they know Telemachus is back?

Book 15: The Prince Sets Sail for Home

What is Helen's attitude towards the omen of the eagle with the goose?
Why does Theoclymenus want to accompany Telemachus on his journey back to Ithaca?
Why does Eumaeus tell the beggar (Odysseus) to stay with him until Telemachus gets back?
Where was the nurse of Eumaeus from?
How did Eumaeus get to Ithaca?

The Loyal Swineherd

How does Odysseus escape from the pack of dogs?
Describe Eumaeus’s attitude towards the suitors.
What island does Odysseus say he is from?
What does Eumaeus give Odysseus to keep him warm and what is the significance of it?

The Cattle of the Sun

Well I wanted to help Augusto out because he has not posted yet so I will cover for him.

Was it a smart decission for the crew members to kill the cattle?
Why did they kill the cattle?
What was the vow that the crew members made to Odysseus first before they did anything on the Island?
After 9 days of drifting, where does Odysseus end up?

- Matt E.

The Kingdom of the Dead

Whom does Odysseus first meet in the underworld?
Why did all the souls of the queens appear and come to Odysseus?
How did Anticleia die?
What is the significance of the dark blood and what does it do?
What somewhat comforting news does Odysseus relate to Achilles.
Why does Odysseus quickly sail away?

Book X

Chose what questions you would like to respond too,

- On the Aeohan island, home of Aeolus, describe what that island looks like.

- What happens when the crew opens the sack that the king gives them? What is in the sack?

- Who lives on Laestrygonian land? What do they do to some of the crew?

- Explain what Circe, the nymph with lovely braids does to Odysseus's men, How does she treat Odysseus?

Book IX

Here is a series of questions to answer in your response, you can answer all if you like or just choose a few.
How is the Cyclops described?
How do Odysseus and his men take down the Cyclops?
How did Odysseus blind the Cyclops?
What is the Cyclops' name, and who is his father?
What did Odysseus and his men use to escape the Cyclops's den?
What have we learned that sheds some light on why Poseidon is making Odyssey's journey home so hard? (584-597)


Also, who do you think would be the best actor to portray Odysseus in the movie version of The Odyssey? Personally, I'm thinking Russell Crowe.

Book VIII

In what ways does Alcinous help Odysseus and encourage his people to help him? Why do they help him so much? How does Odysseus respond to all of his help and show his thanks and appreciation?

Also, what is the significance of the long song that Demodocus sings about the love between Ares and Aphrodite?