Lecture Notes: Book 17 of "The Odyssey" - Stranger at the Gate

Context

• Odysseus is back in his disguise as a beggar, aiming to reclaim his home and deal with the suitors.
• Eumaeus, the swineherd, is accompanying Odysseus.

Key Characters

• Odysseus: Disguised as a beggar to infiltrate the palace.
• Eumaeus: The loyal swineherd who aids Odysseus.
• Antinous: One of the suitors, mocked and threatened the beggar (Odysseus).
• Telemachus: Odysseus' son, who is targeted by the suitors.
• Argos: Odysseus' old dog, who has waited for his master’s return.
• Athena: Goddess who watches over Odysseus and Telemachus.
• Penelope: Odysseus' wife, inquisitive about the beggar.

Plot Summary

• Arrival at the Palace: Odysseus in disguise arrives at his own palace with Eumaeus. They encounter hostility and skepticism from the suitors.
• Antinous' Hostility: Antinous mocks and threatens Odysseus, unaware of his true identity.
• Eumaeus' Defense: Eumaeus defends the beggar and indirectly challenges the suitors’ morality and generosity.
• Argos' Loyalty: The old dog Argos symbolizes loyalty and the passage of time, having waited for Odysseus for 20 years.
• Divine Intervention: Athena is invoked, highlighting the divine presence and influence.

Dialogue Highlights

• Suitors' Mockery: The suitors, particularly Antinous, exhibit arrogance and lack of hospitality.
• Odysseus' Retort: Odysseus, still in disguise, subtly challenges the suitors' assumptions and arrogance.
• Penelope's Inquiry: Penelope is curious about the beggar, seeking any potential news about Odysseus.

Themes

• Hospitality: The concept of hospitality is central, as the beggar (Odysseus) is both mocked and defended.
• Loyalty and Time: Argos represents undying loyalty; the long wait for Odysseus mirrors Penelope's situation.
• Identity and Deception: Odysseus' disguise brings out the true nature of the suitors.

Important Symbols

• Argos the Dog: Symbolizes loyalty, waiting, and the passage of time.
• The Beggar Disguise: Reflects the themes of deception, identity, and justice.

Conclusions

• Odysseus is testing the suitors and gathering intelligence.
• The suitors' actions further set the stage for their eventual downfall.
• Themes of loyalty, justice, and divine influence are reinforced.

Key Quotes

• "Be careful in the palace beggar..." - Antinous warning Odysseus.
• "It's a pity you have more looks than sense..." - Highlights the suitors' ignorance.
• "Bring him here, I wish to hear a story for myself." - Penelope’s curiosity and hope.

Questions to Consider

• What does Argos' loyalty tell us about Odysseus' past and reputation?
• How do the suitors' behaviors serve as a warning or lesson in the story?
• In what ways does Penelope's response to the beggar reveal her character?