BOOK 21 THE GREAT BOW

1) Where did Odysseus get his famous bow and arrow? Why did he not take it with him?

IT was given to him by his friend Iphitus, who had been killed by Heracles, who stole his horses, and broke Xenia (guest friendship). He kept it in memory of his friend safe at home during the Trojan war.

2) How does the great bow highlight the heroism of Odysseus? (Give TWO points)

It can only be strung by him, drawn by a mighty man, and is the test for a prize they all seek – his wife.

3) Who introduces the contest to the suitors? What’s the prize?Penelope (line 60->). The prize is her hand in marriage.

4) Provide evidence (TWO quotes) from pages 278-9 to show that Penelope does not want to marry again.“….and wept aloud as she drew out her husbands bow” (ln 56)“…this home that even in my dreams I will never forget” (ln 78)

5) Name the slave who passed the bow and arrows to the suitors.The swineherd, Eumaeas (ln 80)

6) Who began the contest? Why did Homer have this person take part in the contest? How successful was he and what does this show about him (answer in detail)? Telemachus. He says he would like to be know he was able to win the prizes his father won. He comes very close, but stops at a sign form his father showing his lack of ego, and ability to keep the main goal in mind.

7) How successful were the suitors and what’s the significance of this? Quote (from page 280-1) words which show how the suitors feel about this contest.“they were not nearly strong enough” ln 185. They felt it was really important to try this test “It is better to die than live on never having tried to win the prize (ln 155)

8) For what reasons does Odysseus reveal his identity to his two shepherds? How does he prove his identity to them? Name the two shepherds. How do they receive him?He needs their help. He shows them his scar. Eumaeus and Philoetius. They weep with joy and kiss him

9) What tasks does he allocate to them?Eumaeus is to pass him the bow, and warn the women not to come into the courtyard. Philoetius is to bolt the courtyard gate.

10) Explain in detail how Odysseus gets hold of the bow and takes part in the contest? (you must explain what role Penelope and Telemachus play during this scene. P. 283-7.Odysseus asks the suitors for it as he wants to test himself. They object, but Penelope says he should be allowed to try. Telemachus interrupts saying the bow is his to let use as he wishes, and sends his mother upstairs out of harm’s way and lets Odysseus try.

11) In what ways are the events at the bottom of page 285 similar to what happened in Book I?As in book one (where she tried to stop the bard singing of Odysseus), Telemachus has told his mother to go indoors and leave men’s business to men.