Book IV · Episode 6 of 7

Penelope Learns of the Plot

Medon warns Penelope, who prays to Athena

Scenes

1. Medon Warns Penelope — Medon overhears plot, warns Penelope
   • Penelope asks if he brings feast orders
   • She recalls Odysseus never wronged anyone
   • They plan to kill him by sword
   • Her knees give way, she cannot speak
2. Penelope’s Anguish — Penelope asks why, collapses wailing
   • She wonders if he sought only fame
   • Medon cannot say what drove him
   • She sinks onto her chamber’s threshold
   • Maidservants gather, wailing around her
3. Lament and Comfort — Eurycleia confesses helping Telemachus
   • Penelope scolds maids for not waking her
   • She asks Dolius warn Laertes of danger
   • Eurycleia swore an oath of secrecy
   • She urges prayer to Athena instead
4. Prayer to Athena — Penelope prays Athena save her son
   • She climbs upstairs to pray
   • A basket of cakes accompanies her prayer
   • She recalls Odysseus’ gifts to the goddess
   • She begs the plot come to nothing