Book 22

• Book 22


  lines 1-67The death of Antinous
• How does Homer make the start of this book dramatic and exciting?


  i) Odysseus, having played the part of an old beggar for so long, suddenly starts moving dramatically: "Throwing off his rags, resourceful Odysseus sprang to the wide threshold."

  
  

  ii) "poured the arrows out at his feet" - this metaphor emphasises the number of deadly arrows he has and continues with the imagery of feasting.
• Why do you think Odysseus prays to Apollo? Give two reasons.

  i) Apollo is the god of archery.

  
  

  ii) It is Apollo's feast day.
• How does Homer emphasise that Antonius was not expecting to be shot?

  He gives a detailed description of Antinous about to drink and tells us what thoughts were in his head - these were "far from death."
• How does Homer make the description of Antinous' death vivid and dramatic?

  He uses uncompromising, gory language: "a thick jet of blood gushed from his nostrils." The scene is almost like a horror movie. His leg spasms realistically, resulting in the pleasures of the feast being covered in blood - a gruesome contrast.
• What do the Suitors try and do immediately?

  They tried to grab weapons - a shield or spear.
• Why are they out of luck?

  Because Odysseus and Telemachus have hidden all the weapons.
• What does their threat "the vultures will have you" imply?

  That they will leave the Stranger's body unburied, as food for the birds.
• Why does the Suitors' attitude turn from anger to fear?

  At first they thought the Stranger had killed Antinous accidentally, now they know it is Odysseus and that he killed Antinous on purpose.
• What does Eurymachus' reply tell us about his character?

  Eurymachus comes across as a complete coward. He tries to put all the blame for the Suitors' actions on the dead Antinous, despite being terribly behaved himself and one of the main ringleaders.
• What choice does Odysseus offer Eurymachus and the Suitors?


  To fight or to run.
• Book 22


  lines 68-115The battle begins
• How does Eurymachus show leadership and intelligence in what he says here?

  He shows leadership by calling the Suitors to battle against Odysseus. He shows intelligence in his tactics: he says the Suitors should use their superior numbers to rush Odysseus, rather than being picked off one by one.
• Compare the death of Eurymachus (79-89) with the death of Antinous (15-22).

  
  

  What are the similarities and differences?

  Similarities:they are both killed by a single arrow, they both kick out when they fall, they both knock things over.

  
  

  Differences:Antinous is shot in the neck unaware, Eurymachus is shot in the chest while attacking. Antinous drops a wine-cup, Eurymachus drops a sword.
• Who is the next Suitor to attack Odysseus?

  Amphinomus
• Who spears him?


  Telemachus
• Why does Telemachus leave the spear in the Suitor?

  He thinks he might be attacked while pulling it out.
• What does he suggest to Odysseus?

  To get weapons for them and the loyal servants.
• Why does Odysseus tell him to be quick?

  Because he might run out of arrows soon.
• How many men are now facing the Suitors?

  Four (Odysseus, Telemachus, Eumaeus and Philoetius).
• Book 22


  lines 116-159Melanthius raids the storeroom
• Which weapon does Odysseus not take after the bow?

  A sword. He does have a shield, helmet and two spears.
• What does Odysseus tell the swineherd to do and why?

  To guard the passage at the back of the hall to prevent the Suitors escaping.
• What does Melanthius suggest as an alternative to Agelaus' plan?

  To fetch weapons for the Suitors (the weapons which were hidden by Odysseus and Telemachus).
• What is Odysseus' reaction when he sees the Suitors putting on armour?

  He is terrified: "Odysseus' heart trembled and his knees shook."
• Whom does he blame?


  Either one of the women servants or Melanthius.
• Whom does Telemachus blame?

  Himself, for leaving the storeroom unlocked when he fetched the weapons a few moments ago.
• Whom does Telemachus send to the storeroom?

  Eumaeus
• Book 22


  lines 160-199Melanthius is captured
• How does the swineherd speak respectfully to Odysseus?

  His address is formal and slightly over the top: "Resourceful Odysseus, scion of Zeus, Laertes' son."
• What does he ask him?

  Whether he should kill Melanthius or fetch him alive.
• What are Odysseus' orders?

  To tie up Melanthius and torture him.
• "They eagerly obeyed" - who are "they" and why might they be eager?

  Eumaeus and Philoetius. They are eager because they want to serve Odysseus well but they probably also relish the idea of exacting revenge on the traitor Melanthius.
• How does the state of Laertes' shield reflect the state of Odysseus' home?

  It is rotten and decayed through neglect. The same thing, on a larger scale, has been happening to Odysseus' household.
• How does Homer make the arrest of Melanthius dramatic? Make two points, referring to the text.

  The long sentence describing Melanthius carrying weapons is interrupted by a sudden ambush: "the two of them sprang at him and seized him." His treatment is brutal: he is dragged by the hair and thrown to the floor, terrified.
• How does Homer subtly show his affection for Eumaeus?

  He addresses the character directly: "Thereyou, Eumaeus..."
• Book 22


  lines 200-240Athene intervenes
• How long does Eumaeus say Melanthius will have to dangle from the roof?

  All night long.
• "They left Melanthius there in his cruel bonds" - who are "they"?

  Eumaeus and Philoetius
• How does Athene appear to Odysseus?

  Disguised as Mentor, an old friend of Odysseus.