Penelope and Odysseus: Key Events

Odysseus returns to Ithaca after years of wandering. Penelope, his wife, has been delaying choosing a new husband by weaving and unweaving a veil. Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, reunites with his son Telemachus. Together, they plan to defeat the suitors vying for Penelope's hand. A contest is held to string Odysseus's bow, which only he can accomplish. Revealing his identity, Odysseus defeats the suitors and reunites with Penelope, restoring peace to Ithaca.

What was Penelope's strategy to delay choosing a suitor?

• She hid from the suitors.

• She wove a veil by day and unraveled it by night.

• She claimed to be waiting for a sign from the gods.

• She pretended to be ill.

How did the suitors discover Penelope's deception?

• They overheard her talking to a servant.

• They caught her unraveling the veil at night.

• A servant betrayed her.

• They found a letter she wrote.

What disguise did Odysseus use upon returning to Ithaca?

• A soldier

• A beggar

• A priest

• A merchant

Who did Odysseus first reveal his identity to upon his return?

• The old pig man

• Penelope

• Telemachus

• The suitors

How did Odysseus's old dog recognize him?

• By his scent

• By his voice

• By his touch

• By his appearance

What challenge did Penelope set for the suitors?

• To win a wrestling match

• To lift a heavy stone

• To string Odysseus's bow and shoot an arrow through axe heads

• To solve a riddle

What was the reaction of the suitors when Odysseus revealed his identity?

• They attacked him

• They tried to flee

• They laughed at him

• They begged for mercy

How did Penelope test Odysseus to confirm his identity?

• She asked him to describe their bed

• She asked him to show a scar

• She asked him to recount a secret only they knew

• She asked him about their wedding day