The Odyssey Group

Question:


chanelx
Student
High School - 10th Grade

Why does Odysseus not want his presence revealed even to his family and household?

why does Odysseus not want his presence revealed even to his family and household?

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Posted by chanelx on Wednesday May 6, 2009 at 2:29 PM and tagged with family, odysseus.

Answers:


  1. cybil Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Odysseus has to plan carefully so that he will be able to exact his revenge against the suitors who outnumber him enormously. If his identity were known, they would quickly kill him so that one of them could become king. Telemachus knows who the old beggar is, and Odysseus eventually reveals himself to Eumaeus and Philoetius because he needs some assistance. Athena, however, will be his greatest source of aid when he and his team slaughters the suitors. Secrecy is essential.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/odyssey/book-17-summary-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/odyssey/book-18-summary-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/odyssey/book-20-summary-analysis

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    Posted by cybil on Wednesday May 6, 2009 at 5:55 PM