The Odyssey: Book 23 Flashcards
Themes:
- fate
- wit
- secrets
- supernatural
- justice
- loyalty
- perseverance
- family
Summary:
Eurycleia goes to tell Penelope that Odysseus is back but Penelope doesn’t believe her and thinks she’s gone mad. Even when Penelope sees him she doesn’t believe it’s him unless he knows their secret signs. Odysseus comes up with the plan of having a feast so they can slaughter the suitors at the wedding - afraid of repercussions of killing. Athena makes Odysseus more handsome and Penelope tells Odysseus to sleep outside her room on the bed that Odysseus carved years ago and Odysseus snaps asking who dared move his bed - he built the entire bedroom around a big olive tree and carved the bed from the roots so it can’t be moved. This is their secret and she rushes into his arms and begs for forgiveness. They rejoice and tell stories of the 20 years. Athena makes time go slower so they can enjoy it more. The next morning Odysseus visits his grieving father and Odysseus takes telemachus and his faithful herdsmen to see laertes and Athena protects them
