40. Study Questions Copy

Answer the following questions. Write about a side of A4 on each.

 

Then view the suggested points for each answer by clicking on the arrow.

Examples of slaves who support this statement might include:

 

Melanthius:

 

dining with the Suitors;

kicks the disguised Odysseus;

provides the Suitors with weapons during the fight.

 

Melantho:

 

sleeping with Eurymachus;

betrays Penelope her mistress and the one who brought her up as her own by revealing the shroud trick;

rude to the disguised Odysseus.

However, there is plenty of evidence to counter this statement.

 

Eumaeus:

 

stays loyal to Odysseus over the years;

provides the disguised Odysseus with perfect xenia;

is close to Telemachus and has almost assumed the role of a pseudo-father figure;

is diligent in his care of Odysseus’ livestock;

fights alongside Odysseus;

Odysseus has high opinion of his servant and promises to reward him.

 

Eurycleia:

 

obeys Telemachus in not letting Penelope know of his departure;

is conscientious in her care of Penelope;

keeps Odysseus’ identity a secret;

keeps the other women securely away from the final fight;

is prepared to identify the unfaithful maidservants.

Penelope’s description as beautiful and careful of how she appears in public

Penelope’s predicament: husband absent and Suitors squatting in her household

Her manipulation of the Suitors in attempts to keep them at bay, including the shroud trick and eliciting gifts from the Suitors

The challenge of the bow and deaths of the Suitors

Penelope’s failure to recognise that Odysseus has returned and use of the bed trick

Penelope’s relationship with her son, the maidservants and Eurycleia

Faultless because of her loyalty, faithfulness, modesty, cunning, beauty, and the manner in which she rebukes the Suitors

However, might find fault in the encouragement she has given the Suitors – secret notes, bow competition

Also might find fault in her lack of belief in Odysseus’ return and subsequent test

Her delaying tactics of the shroud ruse, sending the suitors notes of encouragement and failing to come to a decision on marrying again might be admired

The rebukes delivered to the maidservants might be seen as harsh

The fact that Penelope leaves her women’s quarters and is active in palace life might either be argued to be a strength or a failing

Her beauty and care over how she appears might be seen as admirable and positive

Discussion might be made of how different audiences might respond to Penelope, the different values of ancient and modern readers/listeners might impact on their view of her character .