The SeaOdysseus spends so much time sailing home that the sea actually takes up a good part of his life. This is appropriate, since the sea and its dangers function in much the same way that the Odyssey claims life works: it is full of suffering, but it cannot be avoided. The sea can send blessings such as sea breezes to bring him home or obstacles such as storms, Skylla and Charybdis, and treacherous islands. Since the sea is ruled by Poseidon, it is also a manifestation of the superiority of the gods and nature over man. The Shroud of Laertes The Shroud is a symbol of female deception. Being a woman, Penelope doesn't have much power to resist suitors (as repeatedly demonstrated by her son's orders to go back upstairs to the bedroom, as everything else is a man's business). So, since she can't reject them or throw them out of her house, all she can do is delay the day she has to choose a suitor. She then extends as far as possible by prolonging the time needed to complete an honorable feminine task: weaving a deadly shroud for Odysseus' desperate father. Although she spends all day weaving, she unravels her work every night. The fact that Penelope does not actually produce the shroud symbolizes her immobility and her helplessness to make any real progress against her enemy suitors. Arch of Ulysses The arch is a symbol of royalty and strength. Whoever strings it is worthy of King Odysseus and can legitimately ascend the throne. Physical strength was an important quality for the ancient Greeks, not only in warfare, but because psychologically it was linked to the political strength and iron will needed to govern a people given to arguments and debates. Not surprisingly, none of the suitors even nearly succeed, s...... middle of paper... plundering Odysseus' supplies. This shows that supposedly "noble" men do not have the human qualities of moderation and propriety, are therefore a little less than human and worthy of death (or so the Odyssey claims). On the other hand, Nestor, Menelaus and the Phaeacians serve real banquets, full of good food, wine and singing. They are considered not only good hosts, but great human beings. The Bed of Odysseus and Penelope It turns out that Odysseus carved his bed from the roots of a living olive tree. As such, the bed is immovable. It is also growing, but evidently it is not a problem for anyone. The point is that the bed cannot be moved, altered or shaken: it is firm and constant, just like the love between this royal couple. Odysseus's sleeping around seems not to count, but Penelope's continued faithfulness is represented by the immovable bed.