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Symbolism Of The Bed In The Odyssey

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The Odyssey, composed during the Greek Dark Ages, is one of Homer’s famous epics. The story, in its entirety, sums up the multiple adventures of Odysseus. Symbolism plays a major part in The Odyssey.
Displayed at the end of The Odyssey Odysseus’ and Penelope’s bed has symbolic value. This bed can represent Odysseus’ skill. Odysseus built the bed himself from a living tree, demonstrating his skill. Penelope’s wit is also an interpretation of the bed. She uses the bed as a test for Odysseus, displaying her wit. In addition to skill and wit, the bed also symbolizes faithfulness. Upon realizing she is speaking to Odysseus, Penelope states, “No other man has laid eyes on [our bed],” displaying her faithfulness to their relationship. Odysseus’ and Penelope’s bed has multiple aspects of symbolism.
Penelope’s loom, shown in the middle of the story, shows symbolic value. The loom represents Penelope’s deception. Demonstrating her deception, she uses the loom as an excuse to keep the suitors at bay and give herself more time. Penelope’s strategy is also a representation of the loom. Displaying her strategic ways, she planned how she would finish the blanket and then redo it all over again. In addition to deception and strategy, the loom also represents Penelope’s perseverance. Showing her perseverance, she worked on the blanket for three long years until the …show more content…

The bow represents Odysseus’ strength. Demonstrating his strength, he was the only person in the competition able to string the bow. Odysseus’ leadership is also a representation of the bow. The bow belonged to him, and he was the leader of the house, therefore showing his leadership. In addition to strength and leadership, Odysseus’ reputation is a symbolic representation of the bow. His ability to string and shoot the bow proved his true identity because no one else could, displaying his reputation. Odysseus’ bow has clear symbolic

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