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1. 
   cybil Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   eNotes Editor

   In Book 19, Odysseus directs Telemachus to place the suitors' weapons and armor in the storeroom. To explain this move to the suitors, Telemachus should tell the suitors that doing so will prevent the armor from being tarnished with the smoke and soot in the great hall. Secondly, Telemachus can also tell the suitors that they might become so drunk that they could use the weapons against each other so storing them will protect the suitors.

   Your question refers to Odysseus' spears; the suitors did not have access to his weapons. Notice, for instance, that Penelope has to go to the storeroom to bring Odysseus' bow for the contest.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/odyssey-text/book-xix

   http://www.enotes.com/odyssey-text/book-xxi

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   Posted by cybil on Saturday July 12, 2008 at 8:43 PM