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Society In The Odyssey

673 Words3 Pages

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 …show more content…

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 …show more content…

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

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In the journal article “Rewriting The Odyssey in the Twenty-First Century”. The idea of Penelope taking control into her own hands, in a time when women did not stand up for themselves but rather were emotionally constricted is shown. Penelope’s demeanor is of a woman that does not let society rule what she can or cannot do, and because of this thinking she is able to have an advantage over other women and of men who are the ones in charge of any decision-making (Suzuki). Penelope is the second female character that is not a god that is able to maintain authority of her own in The Odyssey. This is ultimately Homer’s way of expressing his views towards the male societies of his time and their

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Homer is one of the most influential writers in the history of Ancient Greece and even all time. Ancient Greece is considered to be a time period of great prosperity and a great time to be alive. In Ancient Greece poetry was very popular during the time and it was considered to be an art that only few could compose. Homer was and is one of the most famous authors that has ever lived. He influenced society and literature in so many ways and his influence is 2nd to none.

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