The Odyssey

What is the problem at Odysseus' house that Athena is trying to solve by advising Telemachus? What is the implication of the description of the suitors as a "wolf pack" (line 117)

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Athena travels to Odysseus' manor in Ithaca, now overrun with noisy, lustful suitors intent on marrying Odysseus' wife, Penelope. Odysseus' son, Telemachus, unhappy among the suitors, greets Athena warmly as a stranger and invites her to their feast. As the suitors devour Odysseus' oxen, Telemachus says he believes his father - whom he does not know at all - is dead. Athena introduces herself as Odysseus' old friend Mentes and predicts that he will be home soon. He does not hold out any hope, however, and he and his mother remain helpless against the arrogant suitors. Athena instructs him to call an assembly of the islanders and order the suitors away; then he must sail away to find news of his father at Pylos and Sparta. After this, he must kill the suitors, as Orestes did. Inspired, Telemachus thanks her for her advice, and she leaves. The allusion to the wolf-pack infers that Penelope will sooner or later be ensnared. The suitors are circling and going in for the kill.

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http://www.gradesaver.com/the-odyssey/study-guide/summary-books-1-4

Athena travels to Odysseus' manor in Ithaca, now overrun with noisy, lustful suitors intent on marrying Odysseus' wife, Penelope. Odysseus' son, Telemachus, unhappy among the suitors, greets Athena warmly as a stranger and invites her to their feast. As the suitors devour Odysseus' oxen, Telemachus says he believes his father - whom he does not know at all - is dead. Athena introduces herself as Odysseus' old friend Mentes and predicts that he will be home soon. He does not hold out any hope, however, and he and his mother remain helpless against the arrogant suitors. Athena instructs him to call an assembly of the islanders and order the suitors away; then he must sail away to find news of his father at Pylos and Sparta. After this, he must kill the suitors, as Orestes did. Inspired, Telemachus thanks her for her advice, and she leaves. The allusion to the wolf-pack infers that Penelope will sooner or later be ensnared. The suitors are circling and going in for the kill.

Source(s)

http://www.gradesaver.com/the-odyssey/study-guide/summary-books-1-4