Feminism In The Penelopiad

Greek mythology although based in ancient times is still prevalent today. Many themes that appear in myths are still maintained in modern adaptations. Homer’s Greek epic, The Odyssey gets a fresh perspective in Margret Atwood’s novel The Penelopiad. Taking place during the same timeline of Odysseus’s long journey home, The Penelopiad brings to life the perspective of his wife, Penelope. Penelope who is miserable and longing her husband’s return has to take care of kingdom he left behind on her own. Enlisting the help of her maids, Penelope is successful at keeping her husband’s empire from being overthrown in his absence. Penelope’s story as told by Margaret Atwood in her novel The Penelopiad demonstrates many themes demonstrated in classic Greek myths.
A significant theme that is prominent in both classic Greek myth and The Penelopiad is the feminist approach. In Greek myths many of the goddesses are held to the same standard as the gods. They are as equally worshipped and praised by the mortals that build their temples on their land. In Greek myth the goddesses are often associated with qualities such as love and talents such as archery. They are worshipped for these qualities and talents but also for their femininity.
A Greek goddess that is often associated with very feminine traits is Artemis. Artemis is …show more content…
In Greek myth Helen’s beauty is known for being the cause of the Trojan War. Helen is the daughter of Zeus and was considered to be the most beautiful woman during that time. Her beauty led many men to fall in love with her and many competed for her attention. She was married to Menelaus, King of Sparta. Since her beauty that made so desirable caused Paris, son of the Trojan king, to seduce her into running away with him back to Troy. This caused outraged from her husband and war was declared. Had Helen not had been the fairest of them all the entire war would have been