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’.

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Answered by Aqilah V. Classical Civilisation tutor

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