The Odyssey Book 1-2 Outline

Book 1: We begin in the book when Odysseus is is trapped on the island of Calyspo, a woman who wants to take Odysseus as her lover. Athena tries to bargain with Zeus in order to free Odysseus. Athena then disguises herself as Odysseus's son Telemachus who lives in Ithaca. This is when she discovers his home is being overrun by suitors, who are extremely greedy. They are trying to entice Odysseus's wife Penelope. Athen convinces Telemachus to speak to the council and then search for Odysseus at nearby islands.

Book 2: Telemachus speaks to the council, and brings up the suitors actions. Antinous says his mother has ulterior motive. The gods send a flock of birds which a man claims he thinks means Odysseus will be returning soon. It is then said that the suitors will not leave until Penelope picks one of them to marry. Telemachus then presents his idea of going to travel to find Odysseus. He is searching to see if his father really is dead, because if he is then his mother can marry whoever she wants.