Jordan Obi Nov.

11,
2016
Literature H Block Reading
Response #4
Reading Response (Books 19 & 20)

While Penelope is speaking with the beggar, does she know that it is really

Odysseus she is talking to? and once shed bathed and rubbed him down

with oil, Odysseus drew his chair up near the fire again, trying to keep

warm, but he hid his scar beneath his beggars rags as cautious Penelope

resumed their conversation: My friend, I have only one more question for

you, something slight, now the hour draws on for welcome sleep; for those

who can yield to sweet repose, that is, heartsick as they are. As for myself,

though, some god has sent me pain that knows no bounds. From this, it is

evident that Penelope has come to the possibility that she is talking to

Odysseus. Prior to this point in their conversation, you can also see that she

had some suspicions, as she was asking questions such as Who are you?

and Prove to me that you know Odysseus. Another reason why I think

Penelope knows that she is talking to Odysseus is because she tells him that

she will wed the man who wins a nearly impossible archery test. Penelope is

ready to welcome Odysseus home, but she must stage this so that Odysseus

may triumph over the suitors and announce that he has arrived at the same

time. This strategy is clever because with this type of contest, there will be

no doubts as to whether this beggar is in fact Odysseus. Lastly, another

reason why I think that Penelope knows she is speaking with Odysseus is
because while it is a part of custom in Greek society to be hospitable, I feel

as though Penelope is exceeding Greek expectations with how hospitable

she is being. All in all, although it is not certain, I feel as if Homer is giving

us hints and clues for us to infer that Penelope knows she is talking to

Odysseus.