Society In The Odyssey

The Implications of Different Societies on the Same Story

Everyone loves to say that history repeats itself. Obviously, no event will be exactly the same as one a few centuries ago, but the undertones, causes, and ultimate effects of these events often line up almost perfectly. However, there is one thing that continuously changes with time— society. Society determines the details of these causes and effects, along with the little nuances of each and every event in history. In The Comeback by A.R. Gurney, Gurney does an amazing job at retelling the story of Homer’s The Odyssey, but with his own twist: setting The Odyssey in a completely new society, one reminiscent of 20th century America. This comparatively modern society that Gurney depicts

Even in the beginning of the book, Telemachus speaks down to his mother, telling her to “go back to your quarters…As for giving orders, men will see to that, but I most of all: I hold the reins of power in this house” (Homer, I. 409-414). Here, Telemachus clearly tells his own mother to back off and let him hold control. Although some could say that Penelope’s personality is just that of a submissive, passive woman, I believe that it is the strong undertone of patriarchy and male superiority present in Ancient Greek society that both forces Penelope into this position and warrants Telemachus’ behavior towards his

Gurney’s portrayal of Penelope is much more carefree and loose, which is directly related to the society that The Comeback is set in. Gurney depicts a 20th century America, where tennis is a common sport and paper cups are in common use. But, most of all he portrays Penelope in a way that reflects the times; Penelope is completely drunk and partying her mind out, and expressing herself in a way she would not have been able to in Ancient Greece. This aligns with the increasing occurrence of women’s suffrage movements in America during that time period, along with gradual changes to societal norms, where a man is not automatically considered superior to a woman just for being a