- 1
Do you believe Telemachus was right to hang the maids for disloyalty?
This part of the book is really grisly, and this scene in particular shows Odysseus taking his revenge overboard. Students should discuss why the maids are seen as disloyal when the bard and herald who served the suitors are spared because "they had no choice." An exploration of gender double standards would be appropriate here.
- 2
Why do you think Odysseus disguises his identity when he meets his own father?
The characters of the Odyssey often test each other's loyalty. Odysseus is particularly paranoid, and has a penchant for disguise and trickery. He decides to "test...
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