Women In Homer's The Odyssey

“A perfect woman, nobly planned, To warn, to comfort, and command; and yet a spirit still, and bright with something of angelic light” –William Wordsworth. Every individual or cultural group creates a way women need to look and act. The idea of having these standards occurred in the ancient times and still exists in the modern day. The Odyssey, an adventurous heroic tale was shared aloud during the eighth century to the people of Greece. Over a period of two to three days, Homer told the story about Odysseus’s long journey, as a foundation of entertainment and to embody their civilization’s values. Although it mainly revolved around the great and powerful Odysseus, Homer intentionally included female characters in order to demonstrate the …show more content…
Odysseus had been gone for 20 years, but Penelope continued to patiently wait for his homecoming. Though she had not heard any news from him, she believed he would return. Towards the end of the epic poem, Penelope almost lost hope. She declared a contest in which the winner would become her new husband. To the hundreds of suitors, who had commandeered her house, she explained, “Here is my lord Odysseus’s hunting bow... who sends an arrow through iron axe-halves sockets. Twelve in line?” (Homer, Book 21, Lines 35-37). Because she created this challenge, it seemed as if she had given up on Odysseus, but she knew only he could beat the contest. She purposely made it impossible for any suitor to accomplish in order to have an excuse to be faithful. Eventually Odysseus made it back home, but Penelope did not recognize him for he was no longer young. He demonstrate it was actually him, she immediately apologized and begged him to not become angry. To redeem herself she explained her faithfulness and cried, “I armed myself long ago against the frauds of men. . . Know that I am yours” (Book 23, Lines 65-80). Though Odysseus had been gone for a long time, Penelope’s loyalty towards her husband had not vanished. She had not given up on his homecoming, and never slept with any of the suitors. She shunned all the men who tried to win her over because she was Odysseus’s. A true wife had to …show more content…
In Book 19, a nameless beggar shared news about Odysseus to Penelope. After he did this simple act, she thanked him by making sure he was clean and had a nice place to sleep. Penelope commanded her handmaids to set up a couch “with bedding and coverlets and with shining blankets, so that he can keep warm as he waits for dawn of the golden throne, and early tomorrow you shall give him a bath, anoint him, so that he can sit in the hall beside Telemachus” (Book 19, Lines 317-323). Not only did she welcome him with basic needs, she also supplied him with the finest materials in order for him to get the absolute best care. Penelope planned the following morning to concentrate on his well-being. She wanted the beggar to get the same treatment as Telemachus to make him feel like part of the family. It was expected for her to take care of him as if he was her son as well. Just like the beggar, Odysseus was greatly welcomed by Calypso, a sea nymph, as he approached the island of Ogygia. She kept him with her for several years even though he was a total stranger. Before letting him go, she invited him to live with her forever. With charm, she informs him, ‘If you can see it all . . . all the adversity you face at sea- you would stay here, and be immortal’ (Book 5, Lines 72-75). Calypso wanted Odysseus to stay with her to protect him from the danger that would come his way. She even offered him with the gift of immortality.