Similarities Between The Odyssey And Athena In Cold Mountain

511 Words3 Pages

Homer’s The Odyssey, widely considered one of the most influential novel, has given inspiration for Charles Frazier to write Cold Mountain. The characters juxtapose closely and the plot differentiate slightly. One character comparison that one can make is Penelope in The Odyssey and Ada in Cold Mountain. Both characters are respectively aided by major characters in minor roles to plot. Between The Odyssey’s Penelope and Athena, and Cold Mountain’s Ada and Ruby, the pairs mutually work to better the situation with men journeying to the major characters, Penelope and Ada.
Ada compares to Penelope as both have husbands away at war, but there is more than just that. Ada and Penelope both age and mature well in the arms of their comforters. Ada, by herself, was rather in need of help and would not be able to continue duties on her own. Penelope, on the other hand, managed to maintain the household even as her husband, Odysseus, left a mess in the palace. Her handling the suitors characterizes Penelope’s fortitude. She used her natural wit to deal with the suitors in the plaza. Ada’s wit proves to have little benefit as she has no knowledge of her local geography or outdoor work[Drawing] experience. Furthermore, Ada and Penelope show patience with their given …show more content…

Penelope and Ada are both huge characters that believe they are widows. Penelope handles her situation well alone, however, Athena, the helping character, assists Penelope and her overall position. Frazier’s influence is present as he creates this helper character in Ruby that offers Ada everyday skills to take up the household. This idea of helper characters aiding major characters is present in the novels and further on supports that Frazier was mainly influenced by The