In The Odyssey – Amphimedon, what motivates Odysseus to dress as a beggar?

In The Odyssey – Amphimedon, what motivates Odysseus to dress as a beggar?

Answer

The most significant motivation for Odysseus related to dressing like a beggar In the Odyssey – Amphimedon is the desire of avenging the suitors. The disguise of Odysseus supports him in finding the true attitudes of people depicted towards him. The disguise provides Odysseus protection from getting killed by the enemies. Ithaca depicted significant changes since the last twenty years of Odysseus’ leaving. Some of the individuals also depicted loyalty towards their king and some lost faith on him. Odysseus was not aware of the changes when he was away for around twenty years and this increased the risks faced by him after his return to Ithaca. Athena further aimed at hiding Odysseus’ identity and she remained loyal towards him and the suitors. Athena’s help played an important role making Odysseus look similar to that of a beggar and this helped him in speaking to the people for plotting his revenge properly. Eumaeus was the first person with whom Odysseus interacted after the disguising and then he also visited the palace. Odysseus’ son Telemachus suggested that he needs walk around suitors with the aim of asking for the handouts. Odysseus met Penelope while he was dressed like a beggar and despite not recognizing her husband, she had a suspicion based on his identity. Penelope also held a contest in which an individual who is successful in handling the bow will become her husband. Many men had taken part in the contest but they faced failure. Further Odysseus also took part in the contest and was successful in the first attempt after which he came out of his disguise and killed all the suitors.