The Odyssey (Books 21-24)

1. Odysseus's bow symbolizes his devotion to Ithaca and strength/being cunning. In the story, it says whoever can string the bow will steal the throne from the king, Odysseus. However, none of the potential suitors of Penelope even get remotely close to stringing the bow. This proves that not only are they unfit for the throne, but they are also unfit to begin Penelope's new husband. The only person that comes surprisingly close to stringing to bow and becoming king is their son, Telemachus. If Odysseus did not instruct Telemachus to stop stringing the bow, then he would've finished. Not only does this prove Telemachus's coming of age, it also shows that even though Odysseus was gone for a long time, his son is still loyal to him. This point of the book shows why family is such a main motif throughout the story.

3. Another symbol in the book is Odysseus and Penelope's bed. It is made from the roots of an olive tree, which cannot be moved, broken, or changed in any way. This bed obviously symbolizes Odysseus and Penelope's marriage and relationship with each other. Even when Odysseus went to the war and was gone for over 2o years, Penelope was still faithful among a group of suitors. When Odysseus was gone, also, he resisted temptation with Calypso and many others because he did not want to break the bond between him and his wife. When Odysseus came back to Ithaca, the kingdom was just how he left it all due to Penelope and his matured son, Telemachus. The bed shows the strength they had and how nothing can change it. Also, olive trees and branches symbolize hope and I believe when Odysseus was gone, him and Penelope were both hoping the best for each other and hope that they would be reunited once again.