Penelope

Question 1

Give 4 examples of how we know Penelope is loyal and faithful to Odysseus

Answer 1

1) She waits for him for 20 years, in which she openly and poignantly laments
2) For 3 years, she leads the Suitors on and falsely weaves Laertes’ shroud
3) Her loyalty is praised by Agamemnon, a notorious women mistruster
4) She rightfully cautious & requires for Odysseus to prove himself as Odysseus

Question 2

How can we describe Penelope?

Answer 2

Loyal, Cunning, modest

Question 3

How does Agamemnon describe Penelope’s loyalty? ”“

Answer 3

“too loyal in thoughts and feelings.”

Question 4

How is Penelope’s described as a result of her schemes, and by who?

Answer 4

“incomparable schemer” - Antinous (to Telemachus B2)

Question 5

How does Penelope have Odysseus prove himself?

Answer 5

Penelope…
- makes a passing comment to Eurycleia to move their bed
- to see if Odysseus will clock that the bed HE made cannot be moved (carved tree bedpost)
- and he does!

Question 6

Only when did Penelope allow herself to believe Odysseus’ identity? ”“

Answer 6

Only after “he had given her infallible proof.”

Question 7

Who is Penelope drawn as a parallel to?

Answer 7

Clytemnestra

Question 8

Scholar on Penelope’s similarities to Odysseus

Answer 8

“Her self command and guile shows herself to be like Odysseus”- Griffin

Question 9

Scholar on Penelope’s Modesty ✅🪧 🧔🏼‍♂️

Answer 9

“Her use of her veil is a good sign for her chastity and modesty” - Jones

Question 10

Scholar on Penelope’s Loyalty 🦉

Answer 10

“Penelope’s loyalty is central to the story line” - Griffin

Question 11

Scholar on Penelope’s Heroism ✨

Answer 11

“Homer ranks Penelope’s heroism and power as equal with Odysseus” - Schein