Define “divine intervention” and provide examples from the book illustrating ways that athena assisted the main characters in their plights by divinely intervening.

Divine intervention refers to instances in which a God interferes in a mortal's life in order to bring him some benefit. The idea of divine intervention carries a connotation of not being allowed according to divine rules.

In The Odyssey, there are many examples of Athena interfering with the characters in order to help them. Athena helps Odysseus during the shipwreck in Book 5 and in the battle of Book 22. She also intervenes by  sending Telemachus to Pylos and Sparta, and by appearing to Penelope in dreams.

imparadis't in one anothers arms  

the happier eden, shall enjoy their fill  

of bliss on bliss, while i to hell am thrust,  

where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire,  

among our other torments not the least,  

still unfulfill'd with pain of longing pines;  

yet let me not forget what i have gain'd  

from their own mouths; all is not theirs it seems:  

one fatal tree there stands of knowledge call'd,  

forbidden them to taste: knowledge forbidd'n?  

suspicious, reasonless. why should their lord  

envie them that? can it be sin to know,