How effectively in this passage does Homer emphasis differences in the emotions felt by Odysseus and Eurycleia?

• Eurycleia is described to feel ‘Delight and Anguish’ (juxtaposition) whilst Odysseus is suggested to feel anger as he is described to have ‘gripped the old woman’s throat’ which shows a vicious side to him. • Eurycleia is full of mixed emotions which is shown through Homer’s text ‘her eyes were filled with tears’ whilst Odysseus is in a panic as he does not want Penelope to discover who he is hence him pulling Eurycleia ‘closer to him’ in order to put her straight. • Odysseus emotionally blackmails Eurycleia into keeping quiet: ‘do you want to ruin me, you who suckled me at your own breast?’ • Odysseus uses harsh threats: ‘keep your mouth shut and not let a soul in the house learn the truth’, ‘I won’t spare you, though you’re my only nurse’.

AV
Answered by Aqilah V. Classical Civilisation tutor

3032 Views

See similar Classical Civilisation A Level tutors

Related Classical Civilisation A Level answers

All answers ▸

How far does the Ara Pacis Augustae fit with the main themes of the ‘Res Gestae Divi Augusti'?


To what extent and in what ways were the achievements of Alexander built on those of his father Philip?


What is the function of the Chorus in tragedy?


Are the women in Greek tragedy less interesting than the men?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning