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The Influence Of Penelope In Homer's Odyssey

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The Odyssey is an epic poem passed down during ancient Greek times, and interpreted today by Robert Fitzgerald. The poem tells the story of Odysseus, a warrior who must face the challenge of sailing home after the Trojan War. Even though women are portrayed very badly throughout the story, the one who holds the most power and influence is Penelope, who demonstrates self control and hope beyond belief. Odysseus only even keeps around Circle for the purpose of getting his men back out of pig form. Odysseus gets Circe to love him until she releases his men for him, and then he just leaves her behind (674). The effect that Circe has on Odysseus is nearly nonexistent. She is simply a tool in his plan, and has no power over Odysseus. Penelope keeps
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Is Penelope powerful,weak, or just complicated? In Homer’s The Odyssey, Penelope is a character that is cast to the side as a grieving wife, but she is much more than that. Penelope is a strong character because she’s wise and thoughtful in her actions, and she has an unbreakable will.

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The Loyal Penelope Loyalty is a trait for those who desire morality in their character. In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, there are many examples of loyalty demonstrated through Penelope. The women in Greek culture aspire to always be loyal. Loyalty was one of the most valued traits in women of Ancient Greece, and Penelope in The Odyssey provides several examples of this.

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In the book of The Odyssey Odysseus remained loyal to the idea of being back home with Penelope which differs from Penelope remaining loyal to their marriage. The Odyssey follows Odysseus' heroic journey back home to his people and wife. Odysseus faces lots of distractions along the way one being held back a year at Circe's island. You might be thinking, “But how dare he stay day and night with a woman when his wife has been nothing but loyal!”, and yes do believe I said the same. In book 10 lines 186-192, Odysseus said, “They made me feel a pang, and I agreed…to Circe's flawless bed and took the goddess knees in supplication..

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While Odysseus is disguised as a beggar, Penelope descends the staircase to present herself to the suitors in an alluring manner. Penelope’s actions towards the suitors are bizarre, for having scorned them for so long, the sudden act of eliciting gifts and stares appears vastly out of character. While Athena had casted a spell over Penelope’s beauty, Penelope herself casts a spell over the suitors for them to pay heed to her words, drawing a parallel to Athena’s cunning wisdom. Like her dream of an eagle slaughtering her beloved geese, Penelope’s actions suggest ambivalence towards the suitors that contradicts her trope of “the faithful wife”. Penelope, although loyal, has conflicting thoughts about the state of her husband’s absence and

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Yet, her manipulation is inspired by her loyalty to Odysseus and to the keeping of his household. Loyalty, as previously mentioned, is one of the most admired virtues in Homeric times. Not only is she expressing her loyalty, but Odysseus admires her trick himself. He “glowed with joy” when he finds out about it, further proving that what she does is

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One of the challenges Penelope encounters is not knowing when or if Odysseus is going to return home. Ten years after leaving for Troy all the men from other kingdoms return except for Odysseus and his men. Penelope has no idea why Odysseus has yet to return and can only assume the worst. As the years pass by there is still no sign of Odysseus and his men. Penelope needs to deal with the suitors and take care of the people who live in Ithaca.

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Yes, Penelope struggles greatly with a very important decision throughout the course of the story. In the background of the main plot, Penelope struggles with a very important decision throughout the time Odysseus remains lost at sea. After many years without Odysseus’ return, the prospect of a new marriage inclines itself onto Penelope. The sons of the noblest families come to live with Penelope in order to court her for marriage.

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"The Odyssey," an epic poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, stands as a timeless testament to human resilience, adventure, and the intricate web of relationships that shape our lives. Within its verses, the role of women emerges as a complex and multifaceted aspect of the narrative, offering insights into the societal norms and values of the time, as well as the agency and influence wielded by female characters. Despite living in a patriarchal society, women in "The Odyssey" play pivotal roles, shaping the trajectory of events and embodying a spectrum of virtues and vices. At the forefront of the narrative is Penelope, the faithful wife of Odysseus, who epitomizes the enduring strength and resilience of women. Throughout the long years of Odysseus' absence, Penelope faces the relentless pressure of suitors vying for her hand in marriage, yet she remains steadfast in her fidelity and devotion to her absent husband.

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However, these contrasts between their personal thinking built most of valuable points in Odysseus' epic journey, and making a more intense story. To some extent, these women are not foolish at all because at least they are successful at leading people to believe that waiting is meaningful. The whole story happened during the dark centuries of women in Greece, when their value was limited behind men. However The “Odyssey” gives an opportunity to horror their role, also rejecting all erroneous preconceptions about the woman. Penelope -- a typical woman who represents for an image of a devoted wife, a mother of family and she is also an image of how women was treated at Greece.

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