1. Part II: “Odysseus’s Revenge”
The Odyssey
Part II: “Odysseus’s Revenge”

2. Historical and Cultural Context
Antinous was the first to insult Odysseus.
What are examples of cultural responses to anger or insults that you found?
Duels, forgiveness, brawls
Does the manner in which Odysseus kills Antinous agree with your idea of a fair fight?

3. Historical and Cultural Context
The suitors have abused Odysseus’s home, his wife, his son, and his hospitality.
What did the Greeks believe about hospitality?
Strangers should be welcomed and treated kindly.
Gods could visit homes in disguise.
What cultural values are revealed by Odysseus’s explanation for his anger in lines ?
The suitors plundered his house and tried to take his wife while he was away.
They also dishonored the Greeks’ religious laws regarding hospitality and the authority of the gods.

4. Literary Analysis Epic similes again
Not all similes in The Odyssey are epic.
Why is the comparison of Eurymachus’s sharp sword to a razor a simile but not an epic simile?
It ONLY compares the sword to a razor.

5. Historical and Cultural Context
Different cultures have different standards for ways children should honor their parents.
Ancestor worship, biblical commandment in Jewish culture
Describe how Telemachus responds to his father’s return and what those actions reveal about him.
He weeps with joy and obeys his father’s directions following.
What cultural values are reflected in Telemachus’s behavior toward his father?
He shows respect for his father as he fights beside him in battle and hurries to bring him the weapons he needs for the fight.