penelope Flashcards
(8 cards)
In which books does penelope appear?
19, 21, and 22
Give a summary of penelope’s character
Wife of Odysseus. Whilst Odysseus was away, she had to fight off over a hundred suitors who wanted to marry her thinking that Odysseus was dead. She is depicted as shrewd, resourceful, and faithful.
How is penelope presented as devoted throughout the books?
Penelope is a devoted wife and mother. Despite not knowing if Odysseus is dead or alive, and despite having 100 suitors wanting to marry her, she maintains faithful to her
husband.
How is penelope presented as devious throughout the books?
Like her husband, Penelope is cunning and devious when she has to be. This is best symbolised with the story of the loom. She promised the suitors that once she completed her shroud for the eventual death of her father-in-law, she would choose a husband. Little did they know that each night
she undid all her work.
How is penelope presented as accepting of destiny throughout the books?
Penelope seems quite accepting of her destiny. This is best symbolised with the contest. She tells the Stranger, that she will hold a contest amongst the suitors that only
Odysseus could ever win. This is no coincidence. It seems Penelope trusts in fate that the Stranger may be Odysseus, hence her choice of contest.
How is penelope presented as hospitable throughout the books?
Penelope is the most gracious host despite the suitors abusing her hospitality. By offering xenia to the Suitors for over four years, she is the embodiment of virtuousness.
How is penelope presented as stoic throughout the books?
Penelope remains stoic throughout the ten years her husband has been missing. Stoic means to be endure hardship without showing signs of it. Throughout The Odyssey, she presents an image in public of someone
in control, but in private, she grieves for her husband.
How is penelope presented as indecisive?
Throughout The Odyssey, Penelope is a quandary about what to do: remain loyal to her husband or marry another. She never quite decides and leads the Suitors on, much
to their anger, but this may be the reason. She may just be buying time for either her husband to return or for her son to grow and take control.
