1. Review of Irony Write the definition of each type of irony, then provide an specific example from The Odyssey for each.
Dramatic Irony
Situational Irony
Verbal Irony

2. Does Penelope’s initiation of the marriage contest (and her preceding decision to remarry) seem psychologically plausible or not? Explain.

3. After the contest is underway, which of the suitors tries to delay it, and why?

4. Before Odysseus, who almost succeeds in stringing the bow and who/what stops him?

5. What does Odysseus’s bow symbolize?

6. Why did Eumaeus and the cowherd cry as they set out the bow and axes before the Suitors? How does Odysseus test the swineherd’s and the cowherd’s loyalty? What does Odysseus do to reward their loyalty?

7. Why does Penelope let Odysseus try to string the bow
Why does Penelope let Odysseus try to string the bow? Discuss the reaction of the suitors. Also, discuss Penelope’s character in the scene.

8. What role do the gods have in Book 21?
Athena
Apollo
Zeus

9. Why do you think Book 21 ends with Telemachus standing by his father
Why do you think Book 21 ends with Telemachus standing by his father? What does this represent?