4.22.14+and+4.23.14

Read: sections of Book 21 Summary: Book 21:
 * The time has arrived for the bow and arrow test to win Penelope. She sets the test for the men.
 * Odysseus’ bow can only be strung by someone mighty and strong, and thus to pass this test, one would have to be pretty impressive.
 * Telemachus tries his hand (not to win his mother, but to win “manliness”). He tries and fails three times, but on the fourth probably would have made it but Odysseus stops him with a shake of the head.
 * Other suitors start to try and fail. Before his turn, Antinous proposes they melt wax to soften the string (cheats!).
 * Meanwhile, Odysseus sees Eumaeus and Philoetius leave the palace (upset that Penelope’s agreement to marry means she’s given up on Odysseus) outside of the palace. He follows them and questions them again about how much they would give and how much they would fight if Odysseus were to drop out of the sky.
 * They both say again, YES, and pray that this day will pass.
 * Odysseus shows them the scar that the nurse saw last night and prove to them that he is that Odysseus in disguise. Weeping. Tears. Happiness.
 * They plan a bit. Odysseus says that after all the suitors have tried to string the bow, he’ll try. When Eumaeus hears the suitors start to talk about him wanting to string the bow, he’s to bring him weapons and have the serving women lock the doors and not let anyone out. Philoetius’ job is to lock the outer gate so that no one outside can see or investigate the slaughter that is about to go down.
 * After making the plan, they head back to the palace. Inside, the men are taking turns trying to string Odysseus’ bow…and failing.
 * Antinous turn’s coming, but he tries to delay and call for a feast so he can go the next day.
 * Odysseus calls him out and asks for a turn. The suitors, of course insult and mock him (but are a little worried after the fight with the other beggar). Penelope hears them and demands that he have a turn.
 * Telemachus orders his mother out of the “man’s business” and again calls this “his house” and again she goes upstairs as told. Weeping. Sleeping.
 * Eumaeus, as directed, gives Odyssues the weapon and sends Eurycleia to lock the inside doors, and the cowherd goes to lock the outdoor ones.
 * As soon as she’s out of sight, Odysseus grabs the bow, strings it easily, and shoots it perfectly. Zeus sends down a thunderbolt.
 * The suitors collectively go silent. Telemachus goes to stand by his father’s side. It’s clear to everyone that things are about to change.

Read/Act out Book 22: If you were absent, read this book yourself. Think about why Homer includes such a violent scene? What is he trying to show us about the suitors/Odysseus? How does Telemachus demonstrate his qualities in this scene? Why is it key that Penelope is asleep for the whole battle?

Journal: Justified?

After reading //The Odyssey// thus far, and particularly Book 22, take a stance: is Odysseus justified in his behavior/treatment of the suitors/maids? Why or why not? Use textual evidence (quote and/or examples) from the text to back up your ideas. This entry should be at least 1/2 page and is homework if you do not finish in class.

Here are pictures of our awesome casts: P.6:

P. 8: