In Homer's The Odyssey women are remarkably strong characters, represented as truly independent, considerably respectful, and very resourceful. These strong characters are goddesses, valued servants, and heads of households. It is through an examination of these traits in Circe, Eurykleia, and Penelope that one learns to appreciate the ideal Grecian woman.
             An independent woman is one who is self-reliant and can direct her own life and actions. The goddess Circe recognizes her strengths as a woman and relies on them to achieve her goals. Using her powerful hypnotic voice, she guides Odysseus and his band of men to her home where, under the guise of helping them, she imprisons them under her spell. Also very independent are Eurykleia and her mistress, Penelope. Although a servant, the nurse Eurykleia demonstrates an uncharacteristic independence by telling Penelope of Odysseus' slaying of the suitors ( Book XXIII). Even Odysseus was impressed with her tale. The most admired independence, however, is that of Penelope. Left alone to handle all domestic concerns while her husband Odysseus is condemned to travel the seas and her son Telemachus searches for the truth of his father, Penelope demonstrates true independence by responsibly maintaining order at home for twenty years. She saves the reputation of her family as well as their home from the many greedy suitors.
             Respect for, and among, all beings was also an important quality for the ideal Grecian woman. Once Odysseus consumes the herb moly, he makes Circe "swear the great oath of the blessed gods" (Homer X 299). Because she has respect for the higher laws of the world and naturally obeys them, she actually foils her own plans. Eurykleia shows her uttermost respect for both Telemachus and Penelope when she vows to keep Telemachus' search for Odysseus a secret from Penelope (Homer II 373-376). This demonstrates she values Telemachus' word but is...