In book 19, we see gender roles reversed. Penelope and the Nurse interrogate the disguised beggar, but despite his best attempts at deception, the Nurse knows his true identity. Does Penelope? After taking some initial responses on Zoom, we’ll start a writing exercise on a google sheet.
In book 20, again the women seem to take control as Athena and Eurycleia prepare for the suitor’s slaughter. How do these two manage events to go against the suitors, and in Penelope’s interest? And why are the other men so blind to what is clearly being presaged? We will return to the google sheet, adding more evidence for the same writing assignment.
HW: Review your annotations for books 19 and 20, gathering evidence . Have four quotes (2 per book) gathered by class on Wednesday.

The google sheet “Women in the Odyssey” has been shared with you via the google drive. Check either the google drive or the google sheet application to find the spreadsheet that I shared with you.
This assignment is to be completed in the classroom’s google sheet, NOT Canvas.

Read through the posted quotes on the shared google sheet.
Read the following article by Prof. Wilson about the role of women in the Odyssey.
With the remaining time in class and using homework time today and tomorrow, read and annotate book 21.

Book 21 is the final act leading to the killing of everyone connected to the Suitors, as both Odysseus and Telemachus take their revenge. As you read, pay attention to subtext, or the story hidden behind the more obvious plot. How much is Penelope aware of, and how much is Odysseus in control of, in respect the orchestrating the big reveal (that Odysseus has returned, and he wields a deadly vengeance)? Next week, when we return to class, we will discuss the reader’s view of events that lead up to the Suitors’ slaughter.