Study Questions
1. How does Penelope initially react to Eurycleia’s announcement?

2. After she believes that the suitors have been slain, whom does Penelope believe has accomplished the task?

3. Why does Telemachus rebuke Penelope in the great hall?

4. For what reason does Odysseus initially believe Penelope doubts his authenticity?

5. What does he do to rectify the situation?

6. How does Odysseus stall the people from discovering the truth concerning the suitors?

7. What causes Penelope to accept Odysseus’ identity?

8. What fear caused her to withhold her acknowledgement for so long?

9. What must Athene do to ensure Odysseus and Penelope have sufficient time together?

10. To what destination do Odysseus and the men journey at the end of Book XXIII?

Answers
1. She believes Eurycleia to be mad.

2. Penelope believes it was done by a god.

3. He does so because his mother is silent before Odysseus.

4. Odysseus thinks Penelope doubts him because of his shabby clothing.

5. He bathes and puts on fresh attire.

6. He commands Telemachus and the servants to feign a celebration within the palace.

7. He inadvertently proves his authenticity by revealing his knowledge of their bed’s unique nature.

8. She feared that an impostor would deceive her.

9. She stalls the Dawn from rising.

10. They journey to Laertes’ estate.