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remains composed. As in passage (6), the narrator points up Odysseus' outward composure by means of a double comparison: 'like horn or iron'.21 |
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It will take until 23.232 before Odysseus no longer needs 'to craftily hide his tears', and can embrace his wife and openly weep. It is interesting to note, however, that the actual recognition of Odysseus by Penelope comes about precisely because Odysseus for once loses his self-control: he reacts angrily to Penelope's proposition to move the marital bed (23.181204).22 It is this anger, and the intimate knowledge revealed on this occasion, which finally convince her that he is indeed Odysseus. So the one instance when Odysseus loses his composure has positive rather than negative results. |
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There is one person in the Odyssey who remains unaware of Odysseus' return even longer than the suitors and Penelope: his father Laertes. When in book 24 Odysseus goes out to visit him in the country, he finds him clothed in rags and working in his garden (22631). The sight of his father elicits tears from Odysseus, and everything seems to point to a quick reunion. Instead, Odysseus once more decides against expressing his feelings: |
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and [he] deliberated then in his heart and spirit
whether to embrace his father and kiss him and tell him
everything, how he was come again to his own dear country,
or question him first about everything, and make trial of him.
In the division of his heart this way seemed best to him,
first to make trial of him and speak with provoking words.
(Od. 24.23540) |
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Scholars have condemned the poet for trying Laertes for so long and without a clear reason.23 Now it is true that Odysseus' revenge scheme against the suitors has been carried out, and there is no longer any need for secrecy. But he has not yet completed his 'homecoming' scheme. He still has to put Laertes' attachment to him to the test (cf. his announcement to do so in 2168), just as he had done with the other members of his oikos. He wishes to be recognized as son, just as before he has been recognized as master, |
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21 For iron as a symbol of steadfastness, see 19.494 (quoted in note 13) and especially 5.190-1:  . |
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22 Cf. Stanford (1963) 57: "revealing his deeper feelings spontaneously for the first time since his return home", Rutherford (1986) 160: "Here Odysseus' celebrated caution and control vanish." |
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23 See Fenik (1974) 4750. |
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