Book XVI:Father and Son

Leigh Anne Chappell and Brooke Flanagan

Setting Book XVI first takes place at Eumaios’s hut. Telemakhos reaches the hut, but once Eumaios gets worried he travels to the palace to warn Penelope.

Plot Odysseus is disguised as an old man at Eumaios’s hut when Telemakhos arrives. Eumaios suggests that they return home to the palace, but Telemakhos is worried about the suitors. Once Athena arrives, Odysseus loses his disguise and Telemakhos discovers it is his father.He is thrilled to finally find his father. The messenger of the ship spreads the word that Telemakhos is returning home, and the suitors scramble when their plan to ambush him fails.

Important CharactersTelemakhos- finds Odysseus, plan to take over suitors with his dad when they return home

Odysseus- Finally returning home, disguised as a stranger at first

Eumaios- warns Penelope on Telemakhos’s return

Important Characters (Continued) Athena- Talks to Odysseus and tells him to lose the disguise

Amphinomus-recommends for the suitors not to kill Telemakhos and wait for a sign from the gods

Eurymakhos- calms Penelope down, acts concerned about the safety of Telemakhos

Main IdeaThe main idea of Book XVI is to show Telemakhos’s journey coming to an end. He finally finds his father and they plan to return to the palace. When they return home, their plan is to seize the arms and kill off the suitors.

Critical AnalysisArticle 1- The Rebirth of Heroism from Homer's Odyssey to Joyce's Ulysses

In this article, they speak about Odysseus and his heroic triumph throughout the book. Book XIV creates triumph for Odysseus and his son. Odysseus reveals his true identity to Telemakhos and they finally reunite. They plan to return home to the palace and kill off the suitors. This takes a lot of courage for Odysseus to return home after all of these years, but he is acting as the hero in this situation.

Critical Analysis (continued)Article 2- Bloom on The OdysseyThis article discussed the continuous theme of identity. In this book, Odysseus is first disguised as an old man, hiding his true identity. However, he eventually shows his son his true identity and they plan to return home together. Throughout the novel, Athena has been known to hide her identity. Odysseus is known to stay true to his identity, and Book XIV represents this.

Reading ActivityTake out your books and turn to page 300-301 starting at line 397.

SKITCharacters: Telemakhos- BrookeOdysseus- Leigh AnneEumaios- DrewPenelope- ShannonAthena- CalliAmphinomus- TaylorBri- Antinous