March 29

We are beginning the second part of The Odyssey today. First I'd like to show you two short films about the last thing we read: Helios and his cattle. Then I'd like you to read page 690 in the textbook and answer these questions: 1. Odysseus' home is filled with men who want to kill him and take his wife. How does Odysseus get back into his home? 2. Why did Odysseus son, Telemachus, take off for Sparta? 3. Why did Telemachus need to sneak back to Ithaca? 4. Odysseus has been away for 20 years. In your opinion was it wrong for other men in Ithaca to try to marry Odysseus' wife (Penelope)? Explain why you think it was OK or NOT OK for the men to try to marry Penelope. Now try reading page 691 and answer these questions: 5. "Wolfish troup of watchdogs" means a bunch of guys who are hanging around Odysseus' house, eating his food and trying to marry his wife while Odysseus is at war. Why is Telemachus angry at these men? 6. A 'swineherd' is someone who takes care of pigs. Why does the Swineherd kiss Telemachus on the head when he first sees him? Turn the page: 8. Why does Telemachus call the Swineherd 'Uncle'? 9. Why doesn't Telemachus recognize his father? 10. What does the goddess Athena do to Odysseus while he's sitting in the big hall in his house?