The Odyssey Questions Book 23: Why does the text refrain from making Penelope recognize Odysseus outright
Book 23
- Why does the text refrain from making Penelope recognize Odysseus outright? Why does Penelope insist on testing Odysseus even after all that he has done in the hall?
- Why is it appropriate that the couple’s bed should be involved in the main test of Odysseus’ identity?
- Around line 300, Odysseus recounts the prophecy that Tiresias had made about the King’s further adventure and death in old age? Why would Homer remind us of this prophecy, just as the poem achieves its goal of bringing Odysseus home and reestablishing him successfully as master of Ithaca?
