The Odyssey by Homer | Book 2 Summary and Analysis

Summary

In Book 2 of the Odyssey, Telemachus, Odysseus's son, confronts the suitors who have overrun his home, demanding they leave. The suitors argue Penelope promised to marry one of them, but she delays by undoing her work on a death shroud for Laertes. This shroud symbolizes Penelope's hope that Odysseus will return. Meanwhile, Zeus sends eagles as a sign of Odysseus's impending return, and Athena, disguised as Telemachus, prepares him for a journey to seek news of his father. The gods guide mortals, but humans must take action to fulfill their destiny.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍⚖️ Odysseus' son, Telemachus, stands up to the suitors and demands that they leave.
• 👰 The suitors argue that Penelope promised to marry one of them and they won't leave until she does.
• 🧶 Penelope has been working on a death shroud for Laertes, Odysseus' father, as a stalling tactic.
• ↩️ Penelope undoes her work every night, prolonging the completion of the shroud to delay the suitors.
• 🙏 The shroud symbolizes Penelope's hope and belief that Odysseus is still alive and may return home.
• 🔥 By undoing the shroud, Penelope keeps her faith alive and the suitors at bay.
• 💡 This act of Penelope keeps the theme of hospitality and the suitors’ presence alive in the narrative.
• 🦅 Zeus sends two eagles as a sign that Odysseus will return and exact justice on the suitors.
• 👩‍🦰 Athena disguises herself as Telemachus to help him prepare for his journey to find news of his father.
• 🌬️ The gods can set the path for mortals, but the mortals must take action to meet them halfway.

Q & A

What action does Telemachus take in response to the suitors in Book 2 of the Odyssey?

Telemachus stands up to the suitors, gathers them together, and tells them they need to leave.

Why do the suitors refuse to leave Odysseus' house?

The suitors claim that Penelope promised to marry one of them, and they refuse to leave until she fulfills that promise.

What has Penelope been working on during Odysseus' absence?

Penelope has been working on a death shroud for Odysseus' aging father, Laertes, for the past four years.

Why is Penelope undoing her work on the death shroud each night?

Penelope undoes her work each night to prolong the completion of the shroud, using it as an excuse to delay marrying one of the suitors and to keep her hope alive that Odysseus will return.

What does the death shroud symbolize in the story?

The death shroud symbolizes Penelope's hope and faith that Odysseus is still alive and that there is a chance he will return home.

How does Penelope's strategy of delaying the completion of the shroud affect the suitors?

By delaying the completion of the shroud, Penelope keeps the suitors at bay and maintains control over the situation while waiting for Odysseus' return.

What role do the two eagles sent by Zeus play in the story?

The two eagles sent by Zeus serve as a sign, reinforcing the belief that Odysseus will return and that swift justice will come to the suitors.

How does Athena assist Telemachus in his journey?

Athena disguises herself as Telemachus and summons men and ships to help him set off on a journey to learn about the whereabouts of his father.

What recurring motifs are mentioned in the script, and what do they represent?

The recurring motifs of wind and disguises are mentioned, representing the gods' intervention and how they create opportunities for mortals, who must still take action themselves.

What is the relationship between divine intervention and mortal action in this part of the Odyssey?

The gods, like Athena, intervene and create paths for mortals, but mortals must rise to the occasion and take responsibility for walking the path and fulfilling their destinies.