For+Oct.+8

For 10/8 read Books I & II (pages 1-3 in the Fitzgerald translation)
Topics for consideration: Questions for consideration:
 * The Muse
 * The Gods
 * Telémakhos's Quest
 * Loyalty
 * Penelope
 * What is the role of the Invocation in the opening lines (1-41) of the poem?
 * How do the interactions of the gods strike you? How do they compare with the way you would expect "gods" to behave?
 * What's up with Athena (a godess) coming down to speak directly to Telémakhos (a human)?
 * How do you feel about Penelope's situation...missing husband, lots of suitors, raising a son alone?

Oh, and please add to the disscussion forum by clicking the tab at the top. Or start your own thread if you are having a specific difficulty with the poem.