The Odyssey Book 19 Study Questions

1. Why does Odysseus withhold his identity from Penelope? Does he trust her? 
2. What does Penelope ask Odysseus, the beggar in disguise? What does Odysseus request that Penelope not ask him about?
3. What does Penelope tell Odysseus about the suitors?
4. What does “the beggar” tell Penelope about Odysseus?
5. What does Eurycleia say to Odysseus?
6. How does Odysseus respond to Eurycleia?
7. Pay extremely close attention to the scenes when Eurykleia recognizes Odysseus? What gives him away?
8. Explain the spell Athena cast on Penelope.