Discussion Questions for The Odyssey by Homer
Return to Ithaca

Odysseus asks Athena, "Why did you let my son drift in despair, searching for me?" and "Why did you not tell him the truth?" Do you think Athena's answer is a good one? Why or why not? (p. 59)

Odysseus says, "It is easy for the gods to cast a man down and then raise him up again." What does this mean? (p. 86)

Why do you think Athena, Telemachus and the swineherd have been willing to wait so long for Odysseus? What does this tell us about Odysseus?

©2005-2012 Glen Draeger (all rights reserved)
Millstone Education: World Literature / http://www.millstoneeducation.com/worldLit