Amy Guan Pd.

6 Book VII Discussion Notes: Phaecias Halls and Gardens Plot:

They arrive at Nausicaas fathers home, and Nausicaa returns to her chambers while Odysseus continues on toward the city. Athena transforms into a young girl to help Odysseus find the palace. When they arrive, she gives him advice and information that would be useful to him. Odysseus gazes at his house and the riches that King Alcinouss palace contains. He enters the house and interrupts a feast. He pleads with the Queen for help. Echeneus (a lord in Phaeacia) tells Alcinous they must help him. Odysseus joins the feast and they talk with eachother. Queen Arete begins questioning Odysseus and he describes his journey and talks about Calypso and the troubles hes suffered. They pray to Zeus and Alcinous offers Odysseus a place at his palace to spend the night.

Characters:

Odysseus- diplomatic long-enduring great He finds refuge in Alcinouss palace and is welcomed by the King and Queen. Athena- bright-eyed goddess Transforms into a young girl and helps Odysseus find the palace. She gives him advice. Queen Arete- Regarded as a god in Alcinouss palace. She questions Odysseus about who he is. King Alcinous- the king Your majesty, helps Odysseus and talks with him at the feast. He lets Odysseus stay at one of their chambers for the night.

Main Ideas and Themes:

Xenia- hospitality. How indecent, look, out guest on the ground, in the ashes by the fire! Your people are holding back, waiting for your signal. Come, raise him up and seat the stranger now... Echenous knows that they must help Odysseus. Also, Alcinous, Up, friend, time for sleep. Your bed is made. The gods play a role in the lives of mortals- Athena helps Odysseus find Alcinouss palace. Being polite- Odysseus knows how to plead for help in order for the royals to help him, ... I come to beg for mercy...

Most Important Quote: Up, friend, time for sleep. Your bed is made. (Book VII, Page 190, Line 391) This quote is important because it shows how Odysseus has made an impression on the royals and how by being polite and knowing how to act around the royals (because of Athenas help), he has found a place to stay for the night and knows that they will be a great source of help when he needs it to return to Ithaca. Other: I predict that the King and Queen will help Odysseus with his return back to Ithaca.