Menelaus seems to be that really friendly kind of host that doesn't insist that you stay even though he IS insisting that you stay... (15.73-94). Later, his son assists Telemachus in escaping from Menelaus' hospitality, which is pretty humorous. It wasn't mean, but it was sort of like, "I need to go home now... help me out here, Bob." Although guest gifts are nice. Telemachus is now loaded.
EAGLING AGAIN (179-183). Helen interprets, which is handy, because it is only minutes before a prophet/murderer comes along and hitches a ride with Telemachus. Strange, and at the time, I was wondering what Homer was even doing with his life. It makes sense later.
In contrast with his cunning and lying and crafty father, Telemachus is extremely honest and clear-minded, and I like it. I rather prefer it.
Brief interlude to reminisce on Odysseus' family: Laertes is depressed, and Eumaeus grew up with Odysseus' mother and sister! Wow! people have families! I just learned that Stalin had a daughter. Strange stuff.
15.443: "Even too much sleep can be a bore."
Eumaeus, the loyal swineherd, was kidnapped. His life sucks. JOIN THE ODYSSEUS CLUB. But really, at first, all I was doing was picking on Homer and this translation and weird Greek customs, but now I'm pretty into the story and feeling pretty terrible for Eumaeus, who was taken from his lovely rich family by a band of pirates and wenches, and then enslaved by his master who then leaves for 20 years. This. is. dramatic. The literature gets rather advanced, too, as Homer switches between father and son... it's like a movie, or a TV show, where the book/chapter ends right as Telemachus reaches Eumaeus' house, where Odysseus waits...
588-592: Birds again.
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