The greatest contrast among the secondary characters in The Odyssey is between the Cyclops, that wild race of cannibalistic one-eyed giants, and the Phaeacians, the civilized, hospitable folk who encourage Odysseus to tell of his wanderings and who then sail him home to Ithaca. These are best represented by Polyphemus […]
Read more Character Analysis Polyphemus (the Cyclops) and King AlcinousCharacter Analysis Athena (Pallas)
A daughter of Zeus and a “patron of human ingenuity” (Fables and Knox, p. 524), Athena is the one who first sent Odysseus on his wanderings as part of the punishment for a desecration of her temple by one of the Greek warriors at Troy. In The Odyssey, however, she […]
Read more Character Analysis Athena (Pallas)Character Analysis Telemachus
The secondary plot featuring Prince Telemachus, which scholars sometimes call the “Telemacheia,” is an early example of a coming-of-age story. As the epic opens, Telemachus, about 21 years old, is on the brink of manhood, uncertain and insecure in his potential power, and in grave danger from the suitors who […]
Read more Character Analysis TelemachusCharacter Analysis Penelope
Some critics dismiss Penelope as a paragon of marital fidelity — a serious and industrious character, a devoted wife and mother, but one who lacks the fascination and zest for life that some of Homer’s immortal women display. However, Penelope is not a pasteboard figure. She is a complicated woman […]
Read more Character Analysis PenelopeCharacter Analysis Odysseus
Odysseus is a combination of the self-made, self-assured man and the embodiment of the standards and mores of his culture. He is favored by the gods and respected and admired by the mortals. Even the wrath of Poseidon does not keep him from his homecoming. He is confident that he […]
Read more Character Analysis OdysseusSummary and Analysis Book 24 – Peace
Summary The final book opens with Hermes, the traditional guide, leading the souls of the dead suitors to the Land of the Dead (commonly referred to as Hades). These souls pass such Greek heroes as Achilles and Agamemnon. One of the suitors recites the story of the courtship of Penelope, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 24 – PeaceSummary and Analysis Book 23 – The Great Rooted Bed
Summary Now that the battle has ended and the house has been cleaned, good nurse Eurycleia scurries up to Penelope’s quarters to tell her all that has happened. As much as Penelope would like to believe that her husband has returned and vanquished the suitors, she is cautious and goes […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 23 – The Great Rooted BedSummary and Analysis Book 22 – Slaughter in the Hall
Summary Tearing off his beggar rags, Odysseus boldly catapults himself onto the hall’s threshold, utters a brief prayer to Apollo, and fires an arrow straight through a new target: Antinous’ throat. Only after that does he announce his intentions to the suitors in no uncertain terms. Suddenly realizing the danger, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 22 – Slaughter in the HallSummary and Analysis Book 21 – Odysseus Strings His Bow
Summary Penelope announces the contest and retrieves Odysseus’ great backsprung bow from a secret storeroom deep in the palace. For sport, Telemachus attempts to string the bow and fails three times. He is about to succeed on his fourth try when Odysseus privately signals him to back off. The suitors […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 21 – Odysseus Strings His BowSummary and Analysis Book 20 – Portents Gather
Summary Odysseus spends a restless night worrying about the impending battle. He angrily notices the maidservants as they sneak out to meet their lovers among the suitors. Suddenly Athena appears and assures him of vengeful victory. Penelope’s room is nearby, and at dawn, he hears the end of her prayer […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 20 – Portents Gather