Book XXIV Peace

Discuss one of the thesis topics for your last comment.  Do not write about a topic that you have commented on before.
this is it!!  finished

Book XXIII The Great Rooted Bed

Post a comment that is more about one of the thesis topics. Not a q and a approach. In comment identify which thesis topic is subject matter.
Vary topic with each successive BOOK of The Odyssey

Book XXII Slaughter in the Hall

Post a comment that is more about one of the thesis topics. Not a q and a approach. In comment identify which thesis topic is subject matter.
Vary topic with each successive BOOK of The Odyssey

Book 21

The competition has finally begun! Penelope gets Odysseus's bow and the twelve axes are set up. Is this yet another scheme by Penelope to delay trying to choose a husband or does she truly believe she will marry whoever can shoot the bow through the axes? Is it an impossible challenge?

Meanwhile, while the competition is going on, Odysseus reveals himself to Eumaeus and Philoetius and asks for their help to kill the suitors. Why do you think he choose them? Can he really trust them?

Finally, as the book comes to an end, Odysseus steps up and tries his hand at stringing and shooting the bow. Not surprisingly, he does it perfectly. It's about time! Do you think Odysseus has some help from his "clear-eyed" friend or did he really have the natural skill?

What is going to happen now?

See you all tomorrow! Come to class ready to have fun!

Book 20

In this chapter, We begin to see new tension between the suitors and Odysseus. First off, he is mad that all of the housemaids pass by him to the beds of the suitors. He begins to doubt himself and asks Athena how he will be able to fight all of the suitors. She says "we can fight 50 bands of men" This is not the first time she has done this to boost Odysseus' confidence, although she knows his confidence and bravery results in him becoming full of himself and arrogant

name some other times when she has done this, why does she keep doing this?

Afterwards, a feast is hosted in the House of Odysseus. Telemachus promises to keep Odysseus safe, although the only thing that happens is that all of the suitors begin clawing Odysseus apart, why didn't Athena or Penelope do anything to protect the father and son?

Do you think all the pain, suffering, and anger has taken a toll on Odysseus, do you think he will ruthlessly kill all of the suitors or give some mercy and amnesty?

Book 19: Penelope and Her Guest

When Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, approaches Penelope for the first time, Melantho insults him and tries to send him away. Penelope stands up to her, saying it is not right for her to send him off and be so cruel. Penelope has always been reserved and kind, and this is the first time she has lashed out at someone. Why do you think Penelope acts so offended by Melantho’s remark? Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus are always hospitable and kind, but Penelope shows special interest for this man. Why is this? Is is just because she wants to hear about her husband, or because she sees the striking resemblance between the beggar and Odysseus?

Book XVIII

Throughout book eighteen there were relatively common themes that reoccured again from past books. Intervention has been one of the most reoccurring, yet very important themes in the Odyssey. Why do you think Athena still felt the need to intervene in Penelope's life, after Penelope clearly stated that she didn't need help getting ready and that her "glow" had died away when Odysseus had left? Penelope was reminiscing upon what her husband had told her right before he left for Troy several years ago, and what she should do when it comes time to remarry if he doesn't return. It's seems to me that even though what Odysseus had told her at the time has finally come true, Penelope will never be ready to remarry. Do you think she will ever change her mind and realize that marriage is the best thing for her to cope about her long lost husband? How would you feel if you were stuck in that kind of situation?