Why does odysseus want to keep his return a secret?

Answer 1

Some of the previous answers are not very wrong... but...
It is Homer's rationalistic explanation of the legend (possibly much older than the Oddysey). In fact, Odysseus is a demigod - part human, part divine. The reason why he is keeping his return a secret is found in an ancient belief that gods can come to people dressed like travellers, to tempt their hospitality. And, as you can see, that is just what Odyseus is doing! Further more, it is possible that he killed all the men in his house because some of them were not treating him with respect - a divine wrath! Of course, if it would be so, and if the myth of Odyseus is in fact older that Homer's work, the younger, Homer's interpretation would be a try to explain some details from the original story, since the original reasons were forgotten. This kind of scenario happened before, in many nation's mythologies.

Answer 2

because he doesn't know what he is coming home to. He wants to find out if his wife has truly been loyal to him, and he wants to make sure that his kingdom is still his. It would not be wise for odysseus to come marching in after 14+ year journey without knowing who is ruling his kindom. If he had, and there was one of the suitors vieing for penelope's affections in place as king, they would order the death of odysseus at once.

Answer 3

Cause he's got 50+ pissed off suitor for his old wife in his house. They have weapons and he is just one against 50. Even Odysseus himself couldn't fight of 50+ people single handed

Answer 4

Because he knows that he has been away far to long from his kingdom and that would be suitors would be trying to marry his wife. He kept his return secret to find out what was happening in his absence. This gave him the upper hand when it was time to slay all those who desecrated his house.

Answer 5

Because he is a right b@st@ard!

He is NOT afraid of the suitors of his wife. Later he and his son have no problem killing them ALL without any other help. He is a total violent sociopath when it comes to killing, no remorse.

Either he purposefully dresses all dirty in a disguise or he really was all dirty and bedraggled, but he is chooses to spy on his family and neighbors before revealing himself.

He is checking up on his servant to make sure he is treating strangers well.
He is checking up on his son to see if he turned out well.
He is checking up on his wife to make sure she has been faithful.

Most importantly, he is finding out which of his neighbors (supposedly his friends) is trying to make a move on his wife and property. That way, when he kills them all he can say he is justified.

Answer 6

He wants to sneak back in to e-take his house which has been invaded by bachelors and suitors. He's waiting for the right time to attack and kick some ***.

Answer 7

He's only returning to murder the son of his mistress and she doesn't know that he is aware of the other lover. His mistress has committed incest. Once the son is dead, he can marry the mistress for money since the son will not inherit his mother's wealth.

Come on? I had to tell a different story, the other one isn't as interesting.

Answer 8

to keep his wife's suitors from finding out he is alive because they will kill him so one of them can marry his wife and gain all his wealth. He only lets them know only when he is in a position of control and they cannot hurt him (and he can hurt them).

Answer 9

to have less uproar among his people. if it was known he had return all his enemies and supporters would be at his hideouts front door, therefore preventing him from seeing what unrest has overcome his people and family.

Answer 10

to find out if his wife cheated on him while he was gone.