Odyssey Post #12

       When Penelope asks Odysseus' old nurse Eurycleia, to wash his feet, Odysseus becomes extremely nervous. He knows that as Eurycleia is his old nurse, she will recognize an old scar that his has above his knee. Of course, he is correct in assuming this, and once Eurycleia recognizes Odysseus, she becomes joyful at having found her old charge again. But he doesn't seem as happy to see her. Penelope is in the room at the time, although she has been distracted by Athena and does not notice the exchange. The nurse tries to explain to her who the old beggar truly is, until he grabs her around the neck. "Do you want to destroy me?" he asks.
       Odysseus needs to disguise his identity so that he can both find those who are disloyal, and so that he will be able to rid his home of the suitors. In order to make sure those who know his true identity do not slip up, he uses force to scare them into keeping quiet. It's a wise tactic, and Odysseus is certainly no stranger to it. At first I wondered why he would be so forceful with an old woman, until she says "You know what I'm made of. You know I won't break. I'll be as steady as solid stone or iron." She is obviously tough, and would take more persuasion then Telemachus would, as Telemachus is more likely to be loyal to his own father.

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