Where is Odysseus at the beginning of the story?  What has happened to the men who helped him sack Troy?

Why is Zeus frustrated with Aegisthus?

What qualitites does Odysseus possess that endear him to Zeus and make the hero worthy of Zeus' help?

Why do you think Athena decides it is a good time to solicit Zeus' help in freeing Odysseus from the island?

What two actions do the gods decide to take on Odyssesus' behalf?

Describe Telemachus' conduct toward the visitor Mentes (Athena in disguise).  What does he hope to learn from Mentes?  Why is Athena pleased with Telemachus' action?

List two epithets used in this book to describe Odysseus.  Why are epithets used so often?

What sorrows, sent from the gods, does Telemachus describe to Mentes?

State a theme using the following passage as an example.

"...whatever gift your heart would give--you'll choose a handsome one, I'm sure--can be consigned when I stop here again, on my return, that I may bear it home.  And it will earn for you a gift of equal merit."

Describe the activities appropriate for Penelope after her son tells her to let the minstrel sing whatever songs he wants.

Why do you think Penelope is astonished to hear her son tell her to leave the ministrel alone?

Support the following statement with a quotation: Telemachus knows Mentes is Athena in disguise.