Homer the Feminist

"Come Eurycleia,
move the sturdy bedstead of our bridal chamber-
that room the master built with his own hands.
Take it out now sturdy bed that it is,
and spread it deep with fleece,
blankets and lustrous throws to keep him warm."


Book 23 serves the purpose of tying together the whole novel. It brings the main plotline to a close with the reunion of Odysseus and his family. It also brings the story back to many of its main themes. Obviously, there is the theme of nostos with the return of Odysseus to his home and his family. There is also one last clever bit of metis in this chapter with the above quote.
This quote also emphasizes the forward-thinkingness of Homer. He had some very modern feminist views. He gives women a lot more power in the story than they are normally give. He also portrays women such as Penelope as being very strong, clever people, different from men but clearly able to match them in a conflict. He makes it seem like women and men are often incredibly different, but equal. A man like Achilles could clearly beat Penelope in a battle of the flesh, but Penelope could destroy Achilles in a battle of the wits, as she proves with her quick thinking in the above quote.