Odysseus chooses not to reveal his identity initially to assess the loyalty of those around him and to strategize his next moves against the suitors who have taken over his home. By concealing his identity, he can gather information and plan his revenge without putting himself at immediate risk. Additionally, it allows him to test the fidelity of his wife, Penelope, ensuring that she remains true to him despite his long absence. This strategic choice underscores his cunning nature and the importance of trust in his journey home.
The suitors react with outrage, and threaten to kill Odysseus. They think the killing is an accident and still do not realize Odysseus' identity or intentions.
The Cyclops, Polyphemus, realizes the true identity of Odysseus after he calls for help from the other Cyclopes. When they come to his aid, Polyphemus tells them that "Noman" is blinding him, leading them to think he is simply afflicted by a divine punishment. However, when Odysseus reveals his true name, Polyphemus understands that it was Odysseus, the clever man who outwitted him, thus uncovering his identity despite the initial ruse.
Antinous, one of the suitors in Homer’s "Odyssey," initially believes Odysseus is just a beggar when he arrives at his palace. He shows contempt and disdain for the disguised Odysseus, mocking him and asserting his dominance among the other suitors. Antinous underestimates Odysseus, failing to recognize his true identity and strength, which ultimately leads to his downfall when Odysseus reveals himself and exacts revenge.
He thought Odysseus was dead.
Odysseus throws the eye of the greys into the ocean (I think).
Odysseus chooses not to reveal his identity to his wife Penelope because he wants to test her loyalty and see if she truly believes he is still alive. He also wants to assess the situation in the palace and determine who he can trust before revealing himself as Odysseus.
Odysseus does not reveal his true identity to his wife Penelope when he first returns to Ithaca because he needs to test her loyalty and the loyalty of his household members. He also wants to ensure that he has a strategic advantage in dealing with the suitors who have taken over his home in his absence. Additionally, revealing his true identity prematurely could jeopardize his plans for revenge and reclaiming his kingdom.
Odysseus reveals his true identity to Polyphemus because he is absorbed in the moment. He has just designed an ingenious escape and blinded a cyclops, and, caught up in the glory of the moment doesn't think about the consequenses of his actions. Hubris (excessive pride) is one of his character flaws.
The suitors react with outrage, and threaten to kill Odysseus. They think the killing is an accident and still do not realize Odysseus' identity or intentions.
Penelope set the test of stringing Odysseus's bow to identify the one suitor who could successfully complete this task, as it required great strength and skill. By setting this test, Penelope hoped to reveal the true identity of her husband, Odysseus, who she suspected might be among the suitors in disguise.
At first, Odysseus is disguised as an old beggar by Athena. When his disguise is lifted, Telemachus believes he is a God and then after some persuasion believes that Odysseus really is his father.
The Cyclops, Polyphemus, realizes the true identity of Odysseus after he calls for help from the other Cyclopes. When they come to his aid, Polyphemus tells them that "Noman" is blinding him, leading them to think he is simply afflicted by a divine punishment. However, when Odysseus reveals his true name, Polyphemus understands that it was Odysseus, the clever man who outwitted him, thus uncovering his identity despite the initial ruse.
Telemachus first thinks that Odysseus is a beggar, thanks to Athena's disguise of him. After Odysseus' transformation, Telemachus believes him to be a god, until Odysseus tells Telemachus of his identity.
Odysseus believed that the other beggar viewed him with suspicion and did not recognize his true identity. He thought that the beggar saw him as just another wanderer or stranger passing through. Odysseus cleverly played along with this perception to maintain his disguise.
Penelope devises the contest with the bow to test the suitors' strength and skill, as well as to buy time while she waits for Odysseus to return. This contest reveals Penelope's cleverness and resourcefulness, as she uses her wits to outsmart the suitors and maintain control over her fate. It also shows her loyalty and love for Odysseus, as she ultimately plans to reunite with him once he reveals his true identity.
Antinous, one of the suitors in Homer’s "Odyssey," initially believes Odysseus is just a beggar when he arrives at his palace. He shows contempt and disdain for the disguised Odysseus, mocking him and asserting his dominance among the other suitors. Antinous underestimates Odysseus, failing to recognize his true identity and strength, which ultimately leads to his downfall when Odysseus reveals himself and exacts revenge.
Telemachus initially believes Odysseus is a god due to his sudden appearance and heroic actions. Odysseus later explains his transformation by revealing his true identity and recounting his long journey home, including encounters with gods and his own struggles. This clarifies to Telemachus that he is indeed his father, not a god.