In Book 19, how does Eurycleia, the loyal nurse, finally recognize Odysseus after all these years?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks how Eurycleia finally recognizes Odysseus in Book 19 after many years.
Option 1: 'She recognizes a scar on his leg while washing his feet.' This is the precise moment described in the text: Eurycleia notices the scar Odysseus received in boyhood when she is washing his feet and realizes the identity of the stranger by thatmark, confirming his return. This answer aligns with the canonical detail of the narrative.
Option 2: 'Odysseus reveals his true identity to her through a secret code.' While Odysseus does reveal himself later to others through recognition and ruse, the pivotal recognition by Eurycleia is not initiated by him reciting a secret code but by her noticing the physical scar during the washing scene.
Option 3: 'She notices his distinctive royal crest hidden beneath his disguise.' There is no mention in the scene of a royal crest or any similar insignia being observed or used to identify him. The recognition hinges on the scar rather than any emblem.
Option 4: 'Athena grants her the ability to see through the disguise.' The narrative does not describe Athena bestowing such a gift to Eurycleia at this moment. The recognition is grounded in Eurycleia’s sensory observation and memory of Odysseus’s scar, not a supernatural reveal granted to Eurycleia in that instant.

CLAS 2220 AU2025 (16301) Quiz 11 (Nov 17-21)

In Book 19, how does Eurycleia, the loyal nurse, finally recognize Odysseus after all these years?

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