Summary

In Chapter XVIII, "News of Helen," when Telemachus returned home, Penelope scolded him for his foolishness. Telemachus, however, believed his behaviors the model of a courageous man who was tired of dealing with the Ithaca women's melodrama. Once the maids calmed, bathed, and fed Telemachus, he began telling Penelope about his trip, everyone he saw, and how beautiful Helen still looked. Penelope was irritated with this latter statement. Finally understanding his mother's jealousy, Telemachus lied and told her Helen actually looked remarkably old and haggard. The lie pleased Penelope. She then made a sacrifice in the name of Odysseus's return.

In Chapter XIX, "Yelp of Joy," though Penelope had long ago given up believing in the power of her prayers, her sacrifice to the gods did lead almost immediately to Odysseus's return. Though he was disguised as an old beggar, a...