From the role of the cunning seductress, to the obedient housewife, to the raging feminist, women were a focal point of Ancient Greek society. Although they were denied citizenship and held no political voice, the roles they played in their culture were undeniably important. They functioned as the givers of life, maintained the family, which was held as the center of Greek life, and managed the home. Women may have been thought to have far less worth than a man, however, their unquestionable power and influence in Greek society cannot go unnoticed. The weighty position they held is verified in numerous texts of the era, including the works of Aristophanes, Homer, Sophocles and Aeschylus.
             The family was held as the center of ancient Greek life and was dependant upon the duties of the woman. She was the pillar on which the family stood, and her role was regarded with great respect. Penelope, the wife of Odysseus in Homer's epic Odyssey, is representative of the dutiful spouse and mother. Faced with many adversaries, Penelope remains faithful in her husband's absence and continues to maintain her family, never allowing her numerous suitors to sway her loyalty. Penelope is a character of enduring strength and dedication. While she has occasional doubts that Odysseus will return home safely, she is never disloyal to her husband.
             Not only is Penelope a woman of incredible beauty and devout faithfulness, but she is also graced with an intellect that surpasses that of many men. She is depicted as a woman of an intellect quite akin to her husband, Odysseus, and she makes use of her wit to ward of the suitors who wish to win her hand in marriage. In her faithfulness to Odysseus, Penelope devises a plan to delay a second marriage. She declares that she will accept a marriage proposal once she has completed weaving a burial shroud. Penelope leads her suitors to believe that she is making progress on her tapestry when, in reality, sh...