Odyssey
Homer's Odyssey provides, for the modern individual, an insight into to an unfamiliar universe. Amidst this fantasy world are elements of the real culture of ancient Greece. By examining this poem one can be clued into women's roles within the culture, which are exemplified by the character Penelope. The predicament, in which the Odysseus's wife is torn between remaining loyal to her missing husband or choosing another, is a portrayal of her distinct powers and significant responsibilities. The great beauty's overwhelming responsibility is to choose a suitor and her powers are what allow her to manipulate many situations to stay true to her husband. Penelope's powers take form in her strength of character. Her intelligence, cunning and sharp wit enable her to outmaneuver the suitors in many instances. This builds up to the climax of her abilities when Penelope is able to trick her godlike husband in to revealing intimate details regarding the marital bed. Now she can be assured it is truly Odysseus. Preceding the climax when she is introduced as a character, we learn of her agony over her the absence of her presumably dead husband, which shows her desire to remain loyal to the hero. It is this loyalty
This verifies more responsibilities on his part rather than hers. Prior to Penelope's meeting with Odysseus she briefly appears before the suitors enticing them with thoughts of marriage while making them fell guilty so they will shower her with gifts. Now Penelope embraces her husband because she can be sure it is truly he. Then she nonchalantly asks the nurse to move their marital bed angering Odysseus further. This is first seen in Telemachos assembly on Ithaka. In the final book Odysseus reveals himself to his wife, thinking that Penelope would leap into his arms as if she hadn't seen him for twenty years. He points out that it cannot be moved, as one of its posts is an olive tree. Her actions are best explained by Odysseus thoughts " she beguiled gifts out of them, and enchanted their spirits with blandishing words, while her own mind had other intentions. Concerning the hospitality, or Xenia with which the suitors are treated is once again more a societal responsibility than a marital one. No one is aware of her intentions that are yet to come. Penelope is responsible because a lot of time and attention is paid to her refusal to marry and the problems, anger, and resentment that creates. The suitors tell the tale of " another stratagem of her hearts devising" in which she promises to choose a suitor upon completion of a shroud for Laertes, to wear on his deathbed. Details surrounding this bed offer the reader with her most impressive display of strong character and tremendous gifts.
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Acceptance Essays
