Journal Prompts Odyssey books 16-17 and 19-20 (prepare with enough detail to explain your section to your other classmates)
- Answer this question if you read books 16 and 17. Why do you think Odysseus disguises himself upon his return? Why do you think he chooses this disguise in particular? Do you think that's ultimately wise or cruel? What are the human costs of his deception? Which characters are loyal to Odysseus and which are not? Which details in this section interest you the most,and why?
- Answer this question if you read books 19 and 20. Books 19 and 20 again show an ambivalent portrayal of women. Describe some of the contrasting portrayals here, and speculate about them. Homer also uses two other literary techniques in these chapters: suspense and delay, and supernatural signs. Give examples (quote) of one of these techniques.