The Odyssey: Plot
Why is Telemachus fearful when his father first reveals his identity?
Athena quickly changes his appearance from an old man to a young one so Telemachus is frightened by this.
Why did Eurymachus blame Antinous for the actions of the suitors?
Eurymachus was trying to get out of the conflict without dying so he blamed Antinous.
Why does Odysseus lie to the cyclops, Polyphemus, about his ship?
He didn't want the cyclops to destroy his ship.
How does Odysseus react when Argos recognizes him?
He ignored him because he couldn't reveal his identity.
What does Tiresias predict will happen if Odysseus raids the herds of Helios?
He says if any of the men touch them they will all die except for Odysseus.
Why does Odysseus want to leave Calypso and her island?
He wanted to go home to Penelope.
What does Odysseus value most highly?
His home and his family.
Why did Odysseus call upon Apollo?
Odysseus called upon Apollo to help him because Apollo is the protector of archers. Odysseus' favorite weapon was the bow.
How does Odysseus escape from the cyclops, Polyphemus?
Odysseus got him drunk and then blinded him by shoving a log into his eye.
What was Odysseus' reason for killing the suitors?
Odysseus killed the suitors because he felt betrayed that they were trying to marry Penelope while he still was alive.
How did Odysseus bring the curse of Polyphemus upon himself?
Odysseus tricked Polyphemus so he prayed to his father, Poseidon, to make Odysseus' journey hard.
Why was Penelope skeptical of Odysseus when he returned home?
Penelope did not think Odysseus looked the same.
How did Penelope test Odysseus' identity?
She mentions moving his bed which Odysseus knows no one could ever move.
How was Telemachus important in the conflict with the suitors?
Telemachus brought helmets, spears, and shields for Odysseus and his allies.
Who helps Odysseus fight the suitors?
Telemachus, Eumaeus, and Philoetius.
How does Odysseus survive the dangers posed by the Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis?
To survive the Sirens, Odysseus gets his men to fill their ears with wax while he tied himself down. To survive Scylla and Charybdis, Odysseus decides to secretly sacrifice the life of some of his men so the others will survive.
