21. (a) recall: whom does odysseus encounter in the land of the dead? (b) interpret: which character trait does odysseus display in the land of the dead that he did not reveal earlier?
22. (a) recall: what difficulties does tiresias predict for the journey to come? (b) speculate: why would odysseus continue, despite the grim prophecies?

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### Question 21 (a)
# Brief Explanations:
In "The Odyssey", when Odysseus goes to the Land of the Dead (also called Hades), he encounters several figures. The most notable ones are Tiresias (a blind prophet who gives him prophecies about his journey home), his mother Anticleia (who had died while he was away), and also other shades like Elpenor (one of his crewmen who died and he later gives a proper burial to), and various other deceased heroes and figures from Greek mythology. But the key encounter for the plot's progression is with Tiresias and his mother Anticleia, with Tiresias being a major one as he provides crucial guidance.
# Answer:
In the Land of the Dead, Odysseus encounters the blind prophet Tiresias, his mother Anticleia, the shade of Elpenor (a member of his crew), and other deceased souls/figures from Greek mythology (like Agamemnon, Achilles, etc.). The most significant initial encounters are with Tiresias and his mother Anticleia.

### Question 21 (b)
# Brief Explanations:
Earlier in the story, Odysseus shows traits like cleverness (e.g., the Trojan Horse), leadership, and bravery in battle. But in the Land of the Dead, when he interacts with the shades, especially when he sees his mother Anticleia, he displays vulnerability and a deep sense of longing for home and his family. He also shows a willingness to confront the supernatural and the realm of the dead, which requires a different kind of courage—one that is more about emotional openness and facing the unknown of the afterlife. His emotional response to seeing his mother (grief, longing) and his eagerness to get guidance from Tiresias (showing a reliance on prophecy and a humble side as he seeks help) are traits not as prominently revealed before. Another trait could be his respect for the dead and the divine order as he performs the proper rituals to summon the shades.
# Answer:
In the Land of the Dead, Odysseus displays **vulnerability and emotional depth** (e.g., grief and longing for home when he sees his mother Anticleia) and a **willingness to seek guidance (humility)** (by relying on Tiresias’ prophecy), traits not as prominently revealed earlier (where he was more focused on cleverness, battle - bravery, and leadership). He also shows a sense of **duty to his crew** (by seeking a way home for them) and respect for the supernatural/dead (by performing proper rituals to summon shades).

### Question 22 (a)
# Brief Explanations:
Tiresias, when he meets Odysseus in the Land of the Dead, predicts several difficulties for Odysseus' journey home. He tells Odysseus that he will face trouble from Poseidon (who is angry at him for blinding his son Polyphemus), that his crew will be tempted by the cattle of Helios (the sun - god) and if they eat them, they will perish, and that he will have to deal with the suitors at his home in Ithaca when he returns. Specifically, Tiresias says that Odysseus will reach home, but he will find his house filled with suitors courting his wife Penelope, and he must deal with them. Also, he warns about the journey past Scylla and Charybdis, and the danger of the Sirens. The cattle of Helios (the Cattle of the Sun) are a major hazard—if the crew eats them, they will all die except Odysseus, who will face more hardships before finally reaching home.
# Answer:
Tiresias predicts that Odysseus will face multiple difficulties:
1. Poseidon’s wrath will continue to plague his journey (as Odysseus blinded Poseidon’s son, Polyphemus).
2. His crew will be tempted by and likely eat the cattle of Helios (the sun - god); if they do, all his crew will die, and Odysseus will face further hardships (being adrift, facing Calypso, etc.) before reaching home.
3. When he reaches Ithaca, he will find his home overrun by suitors courting his wife Penelope, and he must deal with them.
4. He also hints at the dangers of Scylla, Charybdis, and the Sirens on his journey.

### Question 22 (b)
# Brief Explanations:
Odysseus would continue despite the grim prophecies for several reasons. Firstly, he has a strong sense of **determination and loyalty to his crew**—he wants to get them home safely (even though the prophecy says most will die, he still tries to guide them and fulfill his duty as their leader). Secondly, he has an **unwavering desire to return to his home (Ithaca) and his family** (Penelope and his son Telemachus). The love for his home and family is a driving force that overcomes the fear of hardships. Also, he has a sense of **fate and honor**—he is a hero, and part of his heroic journey is to face these challenges and fulfill his destiny. He believes in his own resourcefulness and cleverness (his “Odyssean” wit) to overcome obstacles, even if the prophecies are grim. Additionally, the prophecies also give him a glimmer of hope that he will eventually reach home, so he is willing to endure the hardships to achieve that goal.
# Answer:
Odysseus would continue despite the grim prophecies because:
1. He has a **deep - seated desire to return to Ithaca** to be with his wife Penelope and son Telemachus, and to reclaim his home from the suitors.
2. He feels a **sense of duty and loyalty to his remaining crew** (and to the memory of those who will die) to complete the journey and fulfill his role as their leader.
3. He has a **strong belief in his own resourcefulness and cleverness** (his ability to use his wits, as seen in his past exploits like the Trojan Horse) to overcome the predicted hardships.
4. The prophecy also gives him the hope that he *will* eventually reach home, so he is willing to endure the difficulties to achieve that end.
5. As a hero, he has a sense of **fate and honor**—he is meant to complete this journey and prove his heroism by facing and overcoming these challenges.

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Explanation:

Question 21 (a)

Answer:

Question 21 (b)