Lecture Notes on The Odyssey: Books 19 and 20

Book 19

• Setting: Suitors have retired for the evening.
• Weapons Hidden: Odysseus hides all the weapons, hinting at a planned attack.
• Meeting with Penelope: Odysseus meets his wife, Penelope, who does not recognize him.
  • Recognition by Nurse: Eurycleia, Odysseus’ childhood nurse, recognizes him by a scar.
  • Oath of Silence: Eurycleia swears not to reveal Odysseus' identity.
  • Disloyal Maids: Eurycleia offers to inform Odysseus of disloyal maids, but he insists on discovering them himself.
• Penelope’s Contest: She plans a contest for the suitors involving a bow and arrow to decide on her marriage.
  • Odysseus’ Hint: Odysseus, in disguise, tells Penelope her husband will return before the contest.
  • Penelope’s Reaction: Disturbed, she retreats to her room to weep.

Book 20

• Odysseus’ Vigilance: Odysseus stays up late contemplating revenge against the suitors.
• Divine Assurance: Athena assures him of victory over the suitors and any potential retaliations.
• Penelope’s Prayer: He overhears Penelope praying for death if Odysseus does not return.
  • Zeus’ Response: A clap of thunder follows her prayer.
• Theoclymenus' Warning: The seer warns the suitors of a dark vision—blood mist and ghosts reminiscent of the Land of the Dead.
  • Suitors' Reaction: They dismiss and laugh at the warning.
• Antinous’ Boldness: Shows bravery by confronting the suitors regarding their behavior.
• Sign from Heaven: Only one suitor, Amphinomus, is concerned after seeing an eagle with a dove, hinting at imminent slaughter.
  • Symbolism: The eagle and dove symbolize the suitors as prey to inescapable forces.