111 pages • 3 hours read
The Odyssey
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Books 17-20Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Book 17 Summary: “Insults and Abuse”
Telemachus and Odysseus return to the palace in Book 17. The suitors abuse Odysseus in his beggar disguise, stoking his rage against them.
Telemachus returns to town, and Penelope embraces him, weeping and asking about his journey. He tells her not to upset him and to return to her room, wash, and sacrifice to the gods. After Penelope departs, Athena beautifies Telemachus. He instructs Piraeus to keep his treasure until the situation is resolved and takes Theoclymenus with him to wash and dress, after which they sit down to eat.
Penelope returns, again asking for news about his journey. Telemachus tells her what he learned from Menelaus, that Calypso has trapped Odysseus on her island. Theoclymenus interjects with a prophecy that Odysseus has already returned and will destroy the suitors. Penelope promises him rewards if he proves correct.
Eumaeus leads Odysseus, now in his beggar disguise, to the palace. As they pass a fountain with an altar to the Nymphs, Melanthius, a herder, verbally abuses them, kicking Odysseus as he passes. Eumaeus prays to the Nymphs to guide Odysseus home. Melanthius threatens to kidnap and sell him for profit, then wishes for Telemachus’s death.
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