Imagine being a woman during the time of The Odyssey. Think about how woman were treated by the men of that time period. Woman during that time were expected to accept the things men did and not have a voice in many decisions. Even though they didn’t have a large role in making decisions, women largely influenced men’s lives in many different ways. The role of women in The Odyssey was menial, but had a large impact in the epic poem.
Penelope had a very brief role in the poem, but it influenced the entire story. Penelope was one of the main reasons Odysseus wanted to make it back to Ithaca. She was described by Homer ,the author of The Odyssey, to be a loyal and obedient wife. She said, “ If he were here to care for me, I might be happily renowned!”(1310). This quote explains how Penelope exemplified the women of that era. She waited for her husband for 20 years until he returned and forgave him for the things he had done. In many ways Penelope was a normal wife for that time period. …show more content…
Both of the women aided Odysseus on his journey back home. “Athena appears and informs him of the situation at home” (997). This quote explains how Athena helped Odysseus get back home by warning him about the suitors. “Circe informs him ... consult the blind prophet Tiresias” (525). In this quote, Circe warned Odysseus about the Sirens and gave him some other advice that would help him make it to Ithaca. Both of these women were helpful to Odysseus in many ways, which represented the way women were supposed to help and aid men in that time period. Also, even though they weren’t mentioned often in the story, Odysseus might of not made it home without their
Penelope had a very brief role in the poem, but it influenced the entire story. Penelope was one of the main reasons Odysseus wanted to make it back to Ithaca. She was described by Homer ,the author of The Odyssey, to be a loyal and obedient wife. She said, “ If he were here to care for me, I might be happily renowned!”(1310). This quote explains how Penelope exemplified the women of that era. She waited for her husband for 20 years until he returned and forgave him for the things he had done. In many ways Penelope was a normal wife for that time period. …show more content…
Both of the women aided Odysseus on his journey back home. “Athena appears and informs him of the situation at home” (997). This quote explains how Athena helped Odysseus get back home by warning him about the suitors. “Circe informs him ... consult the blind prophet Tiresias” (525). In this quote, Circe warned Odysseus about the Sirens and gave him some other advice that would help him make it to Ithaca. Both of these women were helpful to Odysseus in many ways, which represented the way women were supposed to help and aid men in that time period. Also, even though they weren’t mentioned often in the story, Odysseus might of not made it home without their