Book Review Sheet

Book 15: The Prince Sets Sail for Home Characters: 1. Odysseus: In this chapter Odysseus has a conversation with the swineherd while disguising himself as a beggar. He uses his cunning and sacrifices his dignity to get the swineherd to reveal the affairs of the island. In sacrificing his dignity by pretending to be a beggar Odysseus reveals that he does not posses one of the fatal flaws of his time, pride. 2. Theoclymenus: He is a fugitive and a prophet. Telemachus allows him to hitch a ride on his ship. He give a prophecy to Telemachus. 3. Eumaeus: He is the loyal swineherd who serves as Odysseus’ host while he is disguised as a beggar. He reveals to Odysseus that the suitors are destroying his house, Laertes is dying of grief, and Penelope is also in grief. He also tells Odysseus the story of how he once was a prince, but was given to Phoenicians and sold. 4. Telemachus: In this chapter, Telemachus reveals his bravery by leaving for home quickly even though the suitors are waiting to kill him. He also does this by leaving without saying goodbye to Nestor. Parting Gifts: 1. Menelaus gives Telemachus a mixing bowl that is solid silver with a lip of gold which was made by Hephaestus. 2. Menelaus also gives Telemachus a generous two-handled cup. 3. Helen gives Telemachus a bridal robe which she wove for his bride to wear. Plot: Athena tells Telemachus he needs to return home to Ithaca immediately. She also warns him about the suitors lying in ambush in the straits between Ithaca and Same. Telemachus and Pisistratus set out from Menelaus’ palace as soon as possible. Menelaus and Helen give Telemachus 3 gifts before he leaves. When they get to the ship Telemachus sets off without seeing Nestor for fear that Nestor will hold him back. Before

he sets off he meets the prophet Theoclymenus and gives him a ride on his ship. When Telemachus arrives in Ithaca, he is dropped off to go to the swineherd. The sailors bring his ship around the island to the city afterward. Odysseus and the loyal swineherd Eumaeus eat together. Eumaeus tells him the story of how he was given to Phoenicians and sold. He also tells Odysseus about how the suitors are evil and they are destroying his home. Prophecies: 1. Helen prophesizes that Odysseus will be home and he will have his revenge on the suitors. 2. Theoclymenus prophesizes that Telemachus’ line will rule Ithaca forever.