Lecture Notes: The Odyssey, Books 17 & 18

Book 17: Return of Odysseus

Odysseus' Return:
- After 20 years, Odysseus returns to his palace, still disguised as a beggar.
- He aims to assess the situation and plan his vengeance.
Telemachus' Role:
- Telemachus, Odysseus' son, arrives at the palace first with a prophet.
- Informs Penelope, Odysseus' wife, about his return, but she is skeptical.
Disguised Interaction:
- Odysseus, as a beggar, meets the suitors.
- Antinous, one of the suitors, behaves disrespectfully and throws a chair at Odysseus.
- Odysseus warns of divine retribution.
Theme of Justice:
- Odysseus and Telemachus evaluate the suitors to determine who deserves punishment.
- Justice and vengeance are central themes.

Beggars’ Conflict:
- Odysseus, still disguised, encounters another beggar.
- Antinous instigates a fight between them.
- Odysseus wins the fight while restraining his strength.
Warnings and Foreshadowing:
- Odysseus warns suitor Amphinomus of impending doom.
- Odysseus admonishes some maidservants.
- Foreshadows future vengeance and showcases Odysseus' restraint.
Character Development:
- Demonstrates growth in Odysseus and Telemachus through their patience and strategic planning.
Themes of Homecoming and Deception:
- Odysseus is home but has not disclosed his identity.
- Telemachus keeps his father's return a secret from Penelope.
- Balancing deception and the eventual need for revelation.