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6th grade History

The Odyssey, Chp. 17

XVII Odysseus goes Home

1. What does Melanthius (the goatherd) say to Eumaeus about Odysseus?

Melanthius insults (disguised) Odysseus to Eumaeus. He says that Odysseus should be

working rather than being a lazy beggar.

2. What does Melanthius do to Odysseus? Smart move?

Melanthius then kicks Odysseus. This is remarkably dumb. Odysseus will remember that
kick.

3. After 20 years, how did Odysseus get to approach his house? Is this how he imagined it would
happen?

Odysseus imagine coming home as a proud victorious king, not as a disguised old beggar.

4. Argus was the name of the dog that Odysseus left as a puppy. How did the dog react when
Odysseus (the beggar) came home?

Argus tried to get up to finally greet Odysseus after 20 years, but the effort was too much for
him and he died.

5. Why is it ironic that the suitors are criticizing Odysseus (the beggar) for taking the food of
Odysseus?

The suitors criticize Odysseus for taking free food, but that is exactly what they have done
for years, taken another man’s food.

6. What did Antinous do to Odysseus (the beggar)?

Antinous threw a stool at Odysseus.

7. What did Penelope say about Antinous?

Penelope is horrified that Antinous mistreated an old man in her home. She says that she
hopes someday someone will hit Antinous with a stool.

8. Why does Odysseus (the beggar) want to wait until the suitors left for the evening before he
visited Penelope?

Odysseus asks to wait until the suitors have left before he meets with Penelope. He says that
he does not want to anger them.

9. Irus was a fat rogue who preferred a life of idleness.

10. Describe the fight between Odysseus and Irus.

Irus resents Odysseus, he does not want anyone else taking food…less for him. Irus and
Odysseus end up fighting, the suitors are thrilled to see this. Odysseus wins the fight and
drags Irus out of the house. Odysseus is rewarded for his victory with black pudding.