Odyssey Debate:
Penelope knew that she was really talking to Odysseus in Book XIX.
Pro: "Early recognition:" Certain clues in Books XVII and XVIII suggest that, beginning in Book XIX, Penelope knows that she is not speaking to a stranger but to Odysseus. Thus, their conversation is cryptic and discreet in order to protect the secret of Odysseus' return, which shows Penelope to be quite clever and astute.
Con: "Standard interpretation:" Penelope does not recognize the stranger to be Odysseus until the so-called, "test of the bed," in Book XXIII. The conversation in Book XIX is between queen and beggar, nothing more.
Details to consider: Books XVII and XVIII: Generally. Book XIX: Interview (lines 124-440; especially 259-300) Penelope's Dream (lines 620-641); Gates of Ivory and Horns (lines 652-659); The Contest with the Bow (lines 663-699). Book XXIII: Penelope's startled disbelief (lines 12-25; 63-75), indecisiveness and cold reception (lines 94-125), Odysseus' plea (lines 186-194), The Test of the Bed (line 197-230), Penelope's explanation (lines 236-258)
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Odyssey Debate Procedure:
Statement of the Argument: Each side gets a maximum of 7 minutes to read an opening statement, explaining their side of the argument.
Preparation for Rebuttal: Both sides get a 4 minute break to formulate a rebuttal statement
Rebuttal: Each side gets 3 minutes to call the other side's main points into question.
Amendments to Closing Statements: Both sides get a 3 minute break to revise their closing statements to respond to their opponent's questions about their position.
Closing Statements: Each side gets a maximum of 5 minutes to sum up their position and bring their argument to a convincing close.
Important Reminders:
Each person must participate. Groups should split up the responsibilities for the investigation , (4 subgroups, one for each book 17, 18, 19, 23). Additionally, groups should split up the actual debate section, (3 subgroups, Statement of the Argument, Rebuttal, Closing Statement)