The fairy-tale and mythical nature of HomerÆs The Odyssey does not prohibit the work from illustrating a number of deep-rooted lessons that are meant to teach people about survival, heroism, truth, life and death. Other lessons are illustrated as well, such as the significance of marriage vows and the sanctity and inviolate nature of the marriage pact between a man and a woman. In one scene in particular, the homecoming scene between Odysseus and Penelope, we see this lesson regarding the sanctity of marriage and the inviolate nature of the marriage bed.
After years of battling the gods, Odysseus returns home to avenge himself against the suitors who have coveted his wife in his absence. Though disguised as a beggar in rags, OdysseusÆ son, Telemachus, knows the beggar is his father. When her nurse informs Penelope that her husband has returned, Penelope initially refuses to believe her. While Penelope begins to wonder if it is her husband, she still wonders who this man has become that has been away from her so long, ôOne moment he seemedàOdysseus, to the life-- / the next, no, he was not the man she knew, / A huddled mass of rags was all she sawö (Homer, p. 548).
Penelope is chastised by her nurse for her lack of faith. Telemachus berates her for her cold heart, because she remains aloof from her husband, ôWhat other wife could have a spirit so unbending? / Holding back from her husband, home at last for her / After bearing twenty years of brutal struggle - / your heart was always harder than a rockö (Homer, p. 550). Penelope justifies her actions by explaining she is stunned with wonder. she explains to Telemachus the she and his father share a secret language known only to them: ôWe two have secret signs, / known to us both but hidden from the worldö (Homer, p. 551). The secret sign known only to Penelope and Odysseus is their marriage bed and bedroom.
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