A)
Note: Your teacher will grade your response to question 18 to ensure that you receive proper
credit for your answer.
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.
In Homer's Odyssey, the female characters play significant roles in shaping the narrative and illustrating the multifaceted portrayal of women in the epic. Two notable female characters are Penelope and Circe.
Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, is portrayed as a loyal and clever woman. She represents the ideal of faithful love and is a symbol of endurance. Despite the absence of her husband for twenty years, Penelope remains steadfast in her devotion to him. She fends off suitors who seek to marry her and claim Odysseus' throne by employing her wit and deception. Penelope's character highlights the strength and intelligence of women, showing that they can be both vulnerable and resourceful.
Circe, a powerful sorceress, plays a crucial role in Odysseus' journey. When Odysseus and his men land on her island, Circe turns some of his companions into pigs. However, with her skillful persuasion and magical powers, Odysseus convinces Circe to transform his men back into humans and eventually becomes her lover. Circe's character challenges traditional gender roles by demonstrating the authority and power that women can possess. She also serves as a guide for Odysseus, aiding him on his quest back home.
Both Penelope and Circe contribute to the overall portrayal of women as complex individuals capable of both strength and vulnerability. They show that women are not merely passive objects, but active participants who can exercise agency and have a significant impact on the storyline. Their roles highlight the diversity of women in the epic and challenge societal expectations of gender roles.