To gain entry to the Underworld, Orpheus has to charm _________.
(1 point)
the boatman Charon and Cerberus, the three-headed dog Sisyphus and Tantalus
the Danaides and the Furies
Hades, the king of the Underworld, and Persephone, his queen
the boatman Charon and Cerberus, the three-headed dog
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What roles are played by the female characters in Homer's Odyssey? Describe two female characters including their traits and roles they played in your explanation of the overall portrayal of women. Be sure to consider the selections of the epic that had male characters as protagonists.
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In Homer's Odyssey, female characters play various roles and have distinct traits that contribute to the overall portrayal of women. Two significant female characters in the epic are Penelope and Circe.
Penelope, the loyal wife of Odysseus, exemplifies the traits of patience, intelligence, and loyalty. While Odysseus is away on his journey, Penelope remains faithful and refuses to remarry despite the pressure from suitors. She uses her wits to delay their advances by promising to choose a suitor once she finishes weaving a shroud for her father-in-law, Laertes. However, every night she secretly undoes the weaving to buy more time. Penelope's actions highlight her intelligence and resilience, showing that she is not easily swayed by the suitors and remains devoted to her husband. Her character emphasizes the power of loyalty and determination in the face of adversity.
Circe, a powerful enchantress, exhibits a complex portrayal of femininity. She is known for her ability to turn men into animals with her magic. When Odysseus and his crew arrive on her island, Circe initially turns his men into pigs, but Odysseus, with the help of Hermes, resists her magic and eventually becomes her lover. Circe's role highlights her authority and skill in magic, challenging the traditional notion that women are simply submissive and powerless. She is a strong and independent character who exercises her power and shapes the outcome of Odysseus' journey. Circe's character breaks away from the stereotype of passive women and showcases the potential for strength and agency in female characters.
The portrayal of these female characters in the Odyssey reflects the complexity and diversity of women's roles in Greek society. While some female characters are depicted as loyal and faithful, like Penelope, others, like Circe, possess power and autonomy. These portrayals demonstrate that women are not limited to traditional roles but can be influential and capable of shaping events. By featuring strong and multifaceted female characters, Homer challenges the traditional patriarchal narrative and highlights the importance of women's agency and contributions in the epic.