I the story The Odyssey Homer traces the emotions of the suitors very well when they are faced with death. He gives them natural reactions that seem very realistic considering the suitors state. This makes the reader identify with the suitors, and almost feel sorry for them.When the suitors first find out that the beggar is actually Odysseus in disguise they are shocked. Homer writes, In the hushed hall it smote the suitors and all their faces changed (ll. 341-342, Book Twenty-one). The suitors are stunned when they see the beggar, Odysseus in disguise, string Odysseuss bow and shoot an arrow through the axe heads.The suitors second reaction is of anger. Antinoos says, So much for that, your clean cut game is over./ Now watch me hit a target no man has hit before (ll.4-5, Book Twenty-two). Then Odysseus shoots Antinoos and the suitors are outraged. They yell, Your own throat will be slit for this (l.26, Book Twenty-two), not realizing that they were the ones who would be next. After the suitors threaten him, Odysseus tells them they all are going to be killed. He says, Your last hour has come, you die in blood (1.40, Book Twenty-two). Now the suitors are overcome with fear, they realize there wrongdoings and look for weapons and a place to hid. Not seeing a hideaway or sword, they then try to blame Antinoos for their actions. They say, Antinoos was the ringleader, he whipped us on to do these things (ll.49-50, Book Twenty-two), and they plead for forgiveness. But of course Odysseus denies them pardon and continues his rage. The suitors then realize that their only hope is strength in numbers and try to fight. Eurymakhos leads their defense. He says, Fight, I say, lets remember the joy of it. Swords out! (ll.73-74, Book Twenty-two). This is when the battle starts and the suitors emotions run wild, some with fear, and some with anger. Homer does a good job showing the different attitudes, and emotions of the suitors at this point. Mo...
