Honors The Odyssey Conclusion Questions

Identity
Much of this story centers around the concealment and revelation of Identity – that is, central characters, including gods, frequently conceal their true identity, and Odysseus conceals his true entity through entire episodes, until the very end.  Why do you think this theme plays such a central thematic role in this story and, for that matter, Greek culture? (Note I am not asking simply about identity and plot, but about identity and theme; how does Odysseus' concealment function as a metaphor for his character's development?) In what ways has this theme been adopted by modern/contemporary "epics"?

How does this representation of Odysseus relate to that of Achilles?

Marriage and Fidelity
Penelope's "heroism" matches Odysseus's in terms of idealized expectations, and yet in obviously radically different ways.  The story of Agamemnon, Clytemnestra and Aegisthus also mirrors their relationship, but in an inverted fashion. In short, what are the expectations of men and women when it comes to love, marriage and fidelity?  How do these expectations compare to Bible stories we've read?  How do they compare to modern epics and pop culture?

Penelope

What clues suggest that Penelope actually recognizes Odysseus?

Why does Odysseus forsake Calypso, a goddess who offers him immortality, for this woman?  In what ways are Penelope and Odysseus at core the same, and equals?

Why might it be relevant that Athena inspire her with the idea of the archery challenge?

Violation

Ultimately, in his treatment of the suitors, Odysseus violates the very codes of hospitality the entire previous sections emphasized as so important.  Given that Odysseus is obviously the "epic hero" in this epic, why, in your opinion, does Homer present Odysseus this way?  Or, asked in another way, what does this suggest as one of the key elements of Greek epic heroism, and, more importantly, what does this in turn suggest about Ancient Greek conceptions of moral codes?