Book Eighteen: The Beggar-King of Ithaca

Book Eighteen is another chapter that I consider relatively boring. Odysseus reached home almost six chapters ago, and I am waiting for something to actually happen. In book eighteen all that happens is Odysseus fights with Irus, Penelope tricks the suitors into giving gifts, and Antinous and Odysseus antagonize each other. Athena continues to do her godly work when she makes Odysseus look more impressive before he fights Irus, Penelope becomes more beautiful to the suitors, and she stirs up rage among the suitors at Odysseus. The most irritating thing about this book is how Odysseus constantly has his pride hurt, and responds inappropriately to it. When Irus challenges Odysseus, Odysseus takes offense and ends up hurting Irus severely. One of Penelope's maidens makes fun of him, and he threatens to tell Telemachus and have her hurt or killed. Last of all, Odysseus takes offense when the suitors insult him, yet when they feel offended by his remarks it is considered wrong. Yet in their eyes, this beggar of a much lower status is offending them, which if Odysseus was the person it was happening to then it would not be acceptable.