1.

Consider messages from the gods brought to mortals in the poem, whether in the form of dreams, omens, admonitions among men, or even direct address by a god to a man. What are some reactions to these divine messages? Are they heeded, ignored, mis-interpreted? What distinguishes the various reactions different individuals give to divine messages?

2.

Among the talents of Odysseus (and of any number of other characters in the Odyssey) is the ability to choose between truthfulness and falsehood as alternative strategies for telling a story. What function or functions do lies play in Odysseus’ return to Ithaka? Following on our discussion of books 9-12, continue to consider in particular ways in which Odysseus as a story-teller represents himself. Even when he is lying, do true aspects of Odysseus’ character emerge?

3.

Absent from the narrative of events since book 4, Telemachus reenters the poem in book 15, and is thereafter a major participant. What, if any, changes has Telemachus undergone since last we saw him? Does his character continue to develop in the last half of the poem? Why, thematically, might he be accorded such a central role in the story?

4.

Follow references to Penelope very closely in the final books. How is her character presented; what are her distinguishing characteristics? Consider in particular her interactions with Odysseus, both when he is disguised and when he has been revealed. "Circumspect" is one of her traditional epithets. How does she display her intellectual gifts?

5.

Trace the steps of Odysseus’ reintegration into the society of Ithaka in its personal/familial, political, religious, and other aspects. By what stages does he proceed? What might be significant about the order in which he reveals himself to various individuals and groups? What distinguishes those who help Odysseus in this process from those who resist and hinder him?

6.

There has long been a scholarly debate about the genuineness of book 24 as a part of the Odyssey. How do the events of the last book accord with or conflict with the rest of the poem? Is there anything shocking, unexpected, or worrisome about the way the poem concludes? What questions does book 24 either raise or resolve in the minds of Homer’s audience?