Question

In The Odyssey, what does the knowledge that Odysseus is favored by the gods do to the suitors' motivation to fight?

A. The suitors are more motivated to fight and test their strength against a god.
B. The suitors have no respect for the gods and continue to attack Odysseus.
C. The suitors throw down their swords and escape.
D. The suitors realize fighting is futile and they try to escape instead.

Answer 1

D. The suitors realize fighting is futile and they try to escape instead.

Step-by-step explanation:

In The Odyssey, Odysseus is trying to get home to his wife Penelope. However, many years have passed, and Penelope has been pressured to marry again. Although she does not want to remarry, she welcomes the suitors at her house and challenges them to a contest. Odysseus is at the house as well, wearing a disguise. Eventually, he lets everyone know who he is, and the suitors realize he is favoured by the gods. Once they realize this, they give up and try to escape. They also ask for mercy. However, Odysseus continues the fight.

Answer 2

B. The suitors have no respect for the gods and continue to attack Odysseus.

The suitors did not respect the gods; in fact, the suitors went beyond simply not respecting the gods and ventured into blatant disrespect by violating the gods’ laws of genuine hospitality. Odysseus even noted that “Contempt was all [the suitors] had for the gods.” Thus, it makes sense that, because of the lack of respect and willingness to disrespect the gods, upon learning that Odysseus is favored by the gods, the suitors are motivated to fight Odysseus.