Lesson 4

Lesson Goals

Texts

Core

• • The Odyssey, Homer, translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin Publishing Group, 1996

Materials

Tools

• Character Note-Taking Tool

Question Sets

• The Odyssey: Section 3 Question Set

Editable Google Docs

• Character Note-Taking Tool

• The Odyssey: Section 3 Question Set

Activity 1: Discuss – Write

We will review the homework assignment and summarize Book 13.

Step 1

In a small group, discuss the questions assigned for homework:

1. What is Zeus’s response to the Phaeacians’ observance of xenia?

2. Why does he react this way?

Step 2

Discuss the important events from the rest of Book 13 with your group.

Write a brief summary of Book 13 in your Learning Log.

Activity 2: Listen – Write

We will read summaries of Books 14 and 15 of The Odyssey and read important excerpts.

Step 1

At the end of Book 13, Athena appears to Odysseus, disguises him as an old beggar, and sends him to Eumaeus’s pig farm. Then, she leaves to warn Telemachus about the suitors’ plot to murder him.

In Book 14, Odysseus arrives at the farm. The loyal swineherd Eumaeus, though he has little to share, extends xenia to this “beggar” as well as he can. The cunning Odysseus makes up a long lie about who he is—and Eumaeus fills Odysseus in on the disgraceful behavior of the suitors. The disguised Odysseus assures Eumaeus that Odysseus will return, but Eumaeus feels that is too much to hope for after all this time.

Step 2

Book 15 begins with Athena warning Telemachus about the plot against him and urging him to return to Ithaca at once, which he does. Back on the farm, the king and the swineherd talk through the night, Eumaeus telling Odysseus about Laertes, Penelope, and then narrating the story of how he came to Ithaca. Telemachus arrives at the island and follows Athena’s instructions to go to Eumaeus’s house, thus setting up the long awaited father-son reunion.

Consider Athena’s involvement. Add any new insights about her in the Character Note-Taking Tool.

Activity 3: Read – Discuss – Write

We will read and annotate excerpts from Book 16 and consider Penelope’s shifting use of power.

Step 1

At the start of Book 16, Telemachus arrives at the farm and is greeted warmly by Eumaeus as Odysseus, convincingly disguised as a beggar, watches. Eumaeus asks Telemachus to provide hospitality to Odysseus at the palace, but Telemachus declines, believing that a beggar would be abused by the suitors. Athena appears and tells him to reveal himself to Telemachus. After an emotional reunion, father and son plot their revenge.

Read what Telemachus says to his father soon after their reunion (16.342-355) and consider the following question:

1. What does Telemachus’s speech reveal about him?

Add any notes to your Character Note-Taking Tool on Telemachus.

Step 2

In the palace, upon learning that Telemachus’s ship has returned, Antinous once more urges his fellow suitors to kill Telemachus and seize all his possessions. Penelope senses their intention and challenges them.

Read Book 16, lines 453-480, considering the following questions:

1. In what ways is Penelope’s use of power in this scene different from the power she has shown before now?

2. Why has she altered her approach?

Turn to a partner and discuss your responses.

Activity 4: Read – Discuss

We will read more of Book 16, considering Homer’s treatment of Penelope. We will consider whether our definition of power should be revised.

Step 1

Now, read Amphinomus’s argument to the suitors not to harm Telemachus (16.436-452). As you read, consider the following:

1. When Penelope denounces Antinous’s plot, the suitors have already agreed not to harm Telemachus. Does this support or change your thoughts about the power Penelope wields? How?

Share your thoughts with a partner and then with the class.

Step 2

As a class, revisit your definition of power and consider the following questions:

1. Based on what you have read up to this point, is the class definition still accurate, or should it be changed? If so, how?

Revise the definition as appropriate.

Activity 5: Review

For homework, we will review the material we have studied during this section in preparation for the upcoming Section Diagnostic.

For homework, prepare for tomorrow’s Section Diagnostic by reviewing Books 11-16. In your Learning Log, make notes of anything you do not understand or would like the class to discuss further. Your review should include the following:

• the text, with a focus on annotations

• additional texts you have read, including annotations

• Learning Log notes

• Character Note-Taking Tools