Odyssey Book 20

Ulysses sees the palace maids slip away to meet with some of the suitors for sexual relations, angering him further about the disloyal servants. He worries about the following day but finds peace when Athena appears to him and assures him of victory overall. 

Early the next morning, he overhears Penelope's prayer, in which she begs for her death if she is not able to be with Ulysses again. Ulysses then prays to Zeus for help, and hears the sound of thunder as a reply, assuring Zeus' support. 

As the suitors gather, they continue to speak of assassinating Telemachus. Some taunt the beggar and again display their cruel, selfish, and immoral ways. The taunting has even been aggravated by the influence of Athena, who, wishing to enrage Ulysses further (so that he will fight with greater motivation), has often guided the suitors' thoughts and actions. Theoclymenus the seer speaks to them and warns them once more to leave while they still can, but his warnings are only met with mockery and laughter. 

Analysis

Here we are given more "evidence" to justify the impending punishment of those who have been working to subvert and destroy Ulysses' family and empire. The maids who sneak out to secret rendezvous with their lovers demonstrate blatant disloyalty towards Penelope and the palace. Telemachus cites specific wrongdoings of many of the suitors, and the behavior of the suitors continues to be reprehensible. They are abusive towards the harmless "beggar," and the disloyalty of Melanthius is noted yet again. 

Even still, mercy is offered yet again, with ample warnings of dire consequences for those who choose to ignore them. The throngs of antagonists prove yet again that they will not stop at anything to wreak havoc on the things that rightfully belong to Ulysses. If readers have any shred of doubt remaining about whether or not retribution is justified, the descriptions provided here remove all doubt.