Odysseus's Corruption, And Consequences Of The Odyssey

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Recommended: Character development of Odyssey

In books 16-24, the Odyssey is reaching its climax and resolution. Telemachus heads to Eumaios’ hut, where he meets with the mysterious stranger (who is actually his father in disguise) (16.1-53). Eumaios tells Telemachus this man’s story and suggests for him to take this man back to the palace, but Telemachus is concerned what the suitors may try to do to him (16.55-89). Eumaios then leaves the hut to go tell Penelope that her son had returned safely, leaving both Telemachus and Odysseus alone (16.135-155). Athena then appears to Odysseus and calls him outside, and comes back inside, his disguise gone (16.156-178). After a tearful reunion with his son and recalling his trip with the Phaiakians, Odysseus plans to take the suitors by surprise, …show more content…

He insults Odysseus and challenges him to a boxing match (18.8-31). Athena aids Odysseus with this endeavor, instilling extra strength and stature into him (18.66-74). The boxing match ends quickly, for Odysseus floors Arnaios (18.95-103). Amphinomos, one of the more well-behaved suitors, toasts him and gives him food (18.117-123). Odysseus, pitying Amphinomos since he knows full well what is going to happen, pulls him over to the side and warns him of the coming danger (18.125-150). However, Amphinomus does not leave, for he is bound to die at the hands of Telemachus (18.151-156). Athena puts into Penelope’s head to make an appearance before the suitors and gives her extra stature and beauty (18.158-162). She leads the suitors on and tricks them into bringing her gifts, claiming that any suitor would try to win her hand by giving her things rather than taking from her (18.208-280). The suitors proceed to give her gifts …show more content…

The suitors soon enter, one again planning how to kill Telemachus (20.240-242). Amphinomus convinces them to call it off, for a sign of doom appears in the form of an eagle carrying a dove in its talons (20.242-247). Later, Ktesippos, one of the suitors, throw’s a cows hoof at Odysseus (but misses), in which Telemachus threatens to run him through with his sword (20.287-319). The suitors become hysterical, failing to notice that they and the walls of the room are covered in blood and that their faces assumed a ghastly look, which is taken as a sign of inescapable doom

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