In the last book of the Odyssey by Homer the scene changes abruptly. Hermes leads the souls of the suitors, crying like bats, into Hades. Agamemnon and Achilles argue over who had the better death. Agamemnon describes Achilles’ funeral in detail. They see the suitors coming in and ask how so many noble young men met their end. The suitor Amphimedon, whom Agamemnon knew in life , gives a brief account of their ruin , pinning most of the blame on Penelope and her indecision. Agamemnon contrasts the constancy of Penelope with the treachery of Clytemnestra. Back in Ithaca, Odysseus travels to Laertes’ farm. He sends his servants into the house so that he can be alone with his father in the gardens. Odysseus finds that Laeters has aged prematurely out of grief for his son and wife. He does not recognize Odysseus, and Odysseus did not immediately reveal himself, he pretended that he was someone who once knew and befriended Odysseus, Odysseus then throws his arms around Laertes and kisses him. He proves his identity with the scar and with his memories of the fruit trees that Laertes gave him when he was a little boy. He tells Laertes how he has avenged himself upon the suitors. Laertes and Odysseus have lunch together. Dolius, the father of Melanthius and Melantho, joins them. While they eat, the goddess Rumor flies through the city spreading the news of the massacre at the palace. The parents of the suitors hols an assembly at which they assess how to respond.
In my opinion the book really end on a cliffhanger. The parents get together but what are they going to do to get pay back? Will Odysseus and his father gain a normal relationship? Last but not least why did Dolius join Odysseuy and Laertes and where did he come from. Overall there should have been a better ending. The authors purpose for writing The Odyssey is to entertain. The author organized the story y using chronological order.