In the last chapters of the novel, I noticed many things that seemed to me to be biblical allusions. One instance was when Penelope told Odysseus of her dream involving the eagle killing all of the geese and he interprets it for her. This reminded me of Genesis 40 when Joseph interprets the dreams of the prisoners. I also was reminded of a biblical instance in book 20 when Athena comes to Odysseus when he is worried at night and cannot sleep. She comforts him by saying, "But I am a goddess, look, the very one who guards you in all your trials to the last...So, surrender to sleep at last." She is basically telling him not to worry because with her on his side, everything will be alright. This reminds me of the verse in the bible Matthew 19:26, "...but with God, all things are possible." One final allusion that I found was in book 21 when Odysseus proves his identity to Eumaeus and Philoetius by showing them the scar on his foot. This reminds me of when Jesus proved his identity to others by showing the scars on his wrists.
I find it very ironic that Homer would use these biblical allusions in reference to Odysseus because to me, he doesn't seem too similar to Jesus in character. Yes, he is heroic and a King, but he is not very humble. I just find it strange that someone so boastful could be compared to such a humble, merciful man.
P.S. I commented on Mary Kate McCray's post
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