Study+Guides

The Odyssey by Homer Book 17 The Odyssey: Book 17 Telemakhos and Odysseus (disguised as a beggar man) begin to implement their plan and travel to the city. 1. Describe the reuniting of Telemakhos and his mother.

2. What did Telemakhos tell his mother to do?

3. Penelope is eager to learn of the news Telemakhos may have regarding Odysseus. Beginning with line 140 Telemakhos begins to recount his journey. Summarize his description.

4. What does Theoklymenos, the diviner, say about Odysseus?

5. ‘Meanwhile, the suitors broke up their games and [gathered to] feast.…During these hours Odysseus and the swineherd were on their way out of the hills to town.’ Along the way Melanthios, the goat herd, joins Odysseus and the swineherd. Describe their conversation. What do we learn about Odysseus’ character during this exchange? [lines 270 -334]

6. Odysseus, at long last, is at the gate to his home [line 334]. Argos, an old hound that he had ‘trained as a puppy’ more than 20 years ago recognized his master and died. The swineherd and Odysseus enter the palace. Retell the conversations in this section. [lines 423 - 666]

7. What do you learn about Odysseus by listening to these conversations?

8. What is said about Zeus and the other gods?

9. What does Penelope hope to learn by questioning the old beggar man?

10. How does Odysseus respond to Penelope’s request?