The Odyssey: Book 23, the Great Rooted Bed

The Odyssey: Book 23, The Great Rooted Bed

Tone:

The tone in the beginning of this book is very frantic; it starts out with Eurycleia rushing through the hallways and into Penelope's room to inform her of the good news. The old nurse tells Penelope that Odysseus is indeed back home to Ithaca. At first Penelope couldn't believe it but when she was reassured she cry tears of joy. The tone then shifts to a calmer one, even a little harsh. When Penelope sees Odysseus in person she seems to show no emotion at all. The reason for all this is because she fears the Gods are playing a trick on her or maybe Odysseus is no longer the man he used to be. With these assumptions she keeps a distance from her husband. But then Odysseus proves himself to his wife by describing their bedstead in deep detail, with this Penelope is reassure that Odysseus has not changed after all these years. The tone then changes to a more happy and joyful one to go along with their reunion as husband and wife.

Symbols:

The major symbol in book 23 is the wedding bed of Odysseus and Penelope. The bed itself represents the foundation of their love. The symbolism is heightened when Penelope suggests moving it elsewhere as a sort of test. These words hurt and shock Odysseus. He immediately replies by saying how the bed was built from a trunk of an olive tree and that it cannot be moved. This representing that their love is everlasting and cannot be changed no matter what.

Key Passages:

"the gods have made you mad. They have that power, putting lunacy into the clearest head around or setting a half-wit on the path of sense. They unhinged you, and you were once so sane. Why do you mock me? Ð'- haven't I wept enough?" (23.12-16)

_ This was Penelope's reply to Eurycleia claiming that Odysseus was home. Through this quote we can see that Penelope is starting to lose hope in Odysseus returning home. When Eurycleia tells her of the news at first she simply dismisses it as the old nurse going crazy.

"Come, Eurycleia, move the sturdy bedstead out our bridal chamber-that room the master built with his own hands. Take it out now, sturdy bed that it is, and spread it deep with fleece, blankets and lustrous