Odyssey Essay 2015

University of Arkansas. Spring, 2015. CLST 1003/1003H. Odyssey Essay. [Bring Blank Blue Book]

EUMAEUS’ LETTER TO HIS FATHER CTESIUS, SON OF ORMENUS.

To be written in class on Thursday, February 26, 2015.

Students will write the letter in class, without referring to notes, texts or other resources.

Illustration: “Ulysses Attacked by the Dogs of Eumaeus.” Chalcedony. Artist: Gnaios.

(Beazley Archives)

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Preparation:

1. Review Odyssey books 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, and 22.

2. Pretend you are the swineherd Eumaeus, and you have just taken part in the slaughter of the suitors, the hanging of the maids and the mutilation of the goatherd (22.498-502).   You have washed your hands and feet and joined Odysseus in the hall (22. 503-505).  This is the last place where you appear in the epic. You go back to your hut and write a letter to your father, telling him of your experiences and feelings about what you have experienced with the beggar who turned out to be your master — from the time you first met him (Book 14) to the end of book 22, when you complete your service by helping destroy Odysseus’ enemies. Be sure to accurately describe to him what happened at this time, and include your feelings and reactions to what you experienced.

NOTE: Your father’s name is Ctesius, the son of Ormenus. You should show that you know your own life story( which you tell to Odysseus in 15.429-527 Lombardo).You should remember that the name of your home island is Syria, full of grapes, wheat, flocks and herds, where everyone dies a painless death from the gentle arrows of Apollo or Artemis.

Your letter will include the following:

A. Tell your father how and where you first met the disguised Odysseus (mention your dogs), what he looked like, and your reaction to his false life story and confident prediction about Odysseus’ return. Describe your first meal together, and what you did to make him comfortable for the night (Book 14).

B. Describe your reaction to the beggar Odysseus’ decision to go to the city, and your narration of your life story (15.332ff).

C. Tell your father a detail of Telemachus’ arrival at your hut (mention the dogs), why you left the hut, where you went, what you did there, and your return to the hut (Book 16).

D. Describe your walk to town with Odysseus, and what happened to you along the way. Tell him about your encounter with Odysseus’ dog, and where you sat for the meal in the palace.  Mention your speech to a suitor, and your conversations with Penelope and Odysseus (Book 17).

E. Describe your encounter with Odysseus and the cowherd — and your prayer (20.175ff).

F. Tell your father how you followed Penelope’s orders (21.77), and what happened when you went outside the hall (21.195). Relate what you did in the hall that put the suitors into an uproar (21.383ff) and your message to your fellow slave about the doors (21.405).

G. Finally, describe your part in the battle and its aftermath (22).

You will be responsible for mentioning the following items/characters in your letter. Be sure to show that you thoroughly understand their role in the story.