Books 14 &15 Question Response

How does Eumaeus show an understanding of hospitality?

Eumaeus shows an understanding of hospitality by taking Odysseus, who is disguised as an old beggar, in.First he scatters the dogs from Odysseus. He, then, offers him bread and wine and his own bed to rest upon. Eumaeus states : "It's wrong, my friend, to send any stranger packing-even one who arrives in worse shape than you. Every stranger and beggar comes from Zeus and whatever scrap they get from the likes of us they'll find it welcome," (303).




 Why does Odysseus see Eumaeus as one of his trusted slaves?

He sees Eumaeus as one of his trusted slaves because he is loyal. For example, throughout the chapter he is called "the loyal swineherd" Also, Eumaeus displays his loyalty to Odysseus by talking highly of Odysseus and his son Telemachus. He tells the "beggar" about his great master and how kind he is and what a beautiful wife he has. He also talks about how rich his master is. Eumaeus also constantly expresses his wish for his master's (Odysseus) return. He also expresses his disgust about the suitors.

Book 9 Questions

Book 9: Discussion Questions

1. Why does Odysseus say they sacked the city of the Cicones?
   He says this because it is important to his later on journey. When he sacks the city of Cicones they kill all the men and take the riches. When Odysseus wants to move on, his men have become drunk with power and continue to sack Cicones. However, Cicones' allies come and attack Odysseus' men. They depart quickly, but they had lost many men in the struggle. So now he has a significantly less amount of men.
2. What effect does the lotus have on anyone who tastes it?
   It makes the eaters forget their purpose, and continue to eat it. When Odysseus and his men reach the island of the lotus eaters, he sends out two men to explore the island and find people. They find the lotus eaters who eat the lotus, a sweet honey fruit. Soon the men didn't want to leave and didn't want to travel back home. Odysseus, in the end, drags the reluctant men back to the ship.
3. What was unusual about the island that lies near the island of the Cyclops?
    The island has a thick wood where many wild goats breed and eat.  What's unusual is, there are no men, no hunters and no lands plowed or with wheat. The island, if someone live there, would be good because it has fertile soil and clear land for plowing. It also has a fresh spring.

4. What is the occupation of the Cyclops?
   The cyclops is a herder. He herds lambs, sheep, goats and rams. All of the animals are very large.
5. What does Odysseus take with him when they go to investigate the Cyclops' cave?
   The skin of irresistible wine, which he earned from saving a priest of Apollo, Maron, and his family. Maron gave Odysseus many other gifts as well including: seven bars of gold, a mixing bowl of silver and the 'secret' and 'rare' wine of the gods. 
6. How many men does the Cyclops eat each time he eats?
   He eats two men at a time.
7. Why doesn't Odysseus just kill the Cyclops?
   While the Cyclops sleeps, Odysseus thought about taking out his dagger and killing the Cyclops. However, he realizes that that is a bad idea. He realizes that he and his men could not push back the great stone, which blocked the doorway.
   
   
8. How does Odysseus trick the Cyclops with his name?
   When the Cyclops asks Odysseus' name, Odysseus replies that he is 'nobody' After, Odysseus offers the Cyclops the skin of wine which gets the Cyclops drunk. The Cyclops says he will do Odysseus a favor and eat him last. When the Cyclops passes out, Odysseus wounds the Cyclops, the other Cylcops come out to see what's wrong. The Cyclops cried, 'nobody is hurting me!' thinking Odysseus is 'nobody' In return, the others go back to their homes.
9. How is Odysseus able to blind the Cyclops?
   He finds a big piece of olivewood. He chops part of it off and rolls it to his men and orders them to shave it down smooth. Odysseus makes a very sharp stabbing point. Then he and his men turn it towards the fire to make the tip hard. After Odysseus gets the Cyclops drunk, Odysseus pokes the eye out with the great piece of wood.
10. What boastful act does Odysseus do which could set up his suffering later?
    He taunts the Cyclops He calls the Cyclops weak a coward. He tells him Zeus and the other gods have paid him back. He continues to mock the Cylcops despite his men's pleas for him to stop.

Book 6 and 7

Book 6:

Why does Athena appear to Nausicaa in a dream?

Athena goes to Nausicaa to chastise her about her clothes about her room. Athena tells Nausicaa it is shameful for her to leave her good clothes on the floor. She tells Nausicaa that she will be married soon and she should be dressed in her finest. Athena, then, tells Nausicaa she will help her in the morning. Athena tells Nausicaa all this to get Nausicaa to go down to the shore where Odysseus lay on the shore. She knows that Nausicaa will probably take pity on Odysseus and will help him.


What details indicate the wealth of Arete's and Alcinious's palace?

As Odysseus walks to the palace he sees many sights that indicate that Arete and Alcinious are very wealthy. First he sees how large the palace is. Also he sees that the walls are plated in bronze, and the doorposts are silver with golden handles. He also sees statues of 'guard dogs' in gold. He also sees Phaeacian lords in gold drinking and dining. Outside the courtyard he sees a large orchard with beautiful trees, including olive trees.

The Odyssey Book 8

Some critics believe that the character of Demodocus is based on Homer himself and thus have attributed his blindness to him. How is the bard described? How does Odysseus describe him?

The bard, Demodocus, is described as blind, but gifted by song. It is said that he was taught by the Muses or the god Apollo, but for his gift he was blinded: "she (Muses) stripped him of sight but gave the man the power of stirring, rapturous song" (193). Odysseus praises the bard highly for his talent to stir the emotions: "I respect you, Demodocus, more than any man alive-surely the Muse has taught you, Zeus's daughter, or god Apollo himself" (207). Odysseus, himself, was moved to tears as the bard sang about Troy. 

Book 5: Nymph and Shipwreck Response

Question 5: Why do you think Odysseus would rather be with Penelope than Calypso? What gift is he willin to forego to pursue that goeal?

On page 159, of Book 5 the goddess Calypso asks Odysseus why he would rather go back home to Penelope than stay on the island. Calypso makes a clear point that it isn't right for a mortal woman to rival a goddess. She also makes a point that Penelope isn't as close to herself in beauty. Odysseus agrees that his wife, Penelope falls short of Calypso's beauty and stature and that Penelope is mortal whereas Calypso is immortal. He tells Calypso that the main reason he wants to return to Penelope is, he wants to return to his homeland and see the dawn. He states, "She (Penelope) falls far short of you, your beauty, stature. She is mortal after all and you, you never age or die...Nevertheless I long-I pine, all my days- to travel home nd see the dawn of my return," (159)