The Odyssey
...Athena appears
to himin a dream and promises that he will aid in the struggle.
Penelope also unable to sleep and prays to Artemis, begging
that she be rescued from marriage to another man, even if it
means her death. In the morning Odysseus appeals to Zeus
for a sign of his favor and is answered by the rumbling of
thunder and lightning. Others notice the sign and a general
mood of imminant danger sets in. Odysseus observes the
behavior of his servants to identify the faithful. Melanthius
arrives with the goats for the banquet and persists in
harasses Odysseus. Eumaeus comes to the place, driving the
hogs for the slaughter, demonstrating his goodness. Another
loyal servant, Philoetius, the chief cowherd, arrives from the
mainland. The suitors, again plotting to assassinate
Telemachus, eventually return to the place. As they lunch,
Ctesippus insults Odysseus and throws a bone at him.
Telemachus is outraged and gives a scolding to the suitors in
which he lists all the bad stuff they have done.. His
unexpected boldness shocks the group, but they are drunk
and laugh at his warnings. , Theclymenus cautions them that
a catastrophe is impending in which they will suffer for their
evil ways, but they mock the him until he leaves the palace in
a rage. The suitors continue to drink, and dont heed the
warning. New Charters: Philoitios - the cattle foreman
Vocabulary banter v. - to speak to or address in a witty and
teasing manner. lustrous adj. - radiant in character or
reputation. dregs n. - the most undesirable part stint n. - a
definite quantity of work assigned coverlets n. - bedspread
saunter v. - to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner
hulking adj. - massive sardonic adj. - disdainfully or
skeptically humorous : derisively mocking jeered v. - to
speak or cry out with derision or mockery braying v. - to
crush or grind fine Epic...
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