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 various roles that contribute to the overall portrayal of women in the epic. Two prominent female characters are Penelope and Athena.
Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, demonstrates her loyalty, intelligence, and strength throughout the Odyssey. Despite the absence of her husband for twenty years, she remains faithful and steadfast, rejecting suitor after suitor while waiting for Odysseus' return. Penelope symbolizes the ideal Greek woman, showcasing the virtues of fidelity and devotion to family. Her role is essential in highlighting the theme of perseverance and love amidst adversity.
Athena, the goddess of wisdom, acts as a protector and guide for Odysseus. She aids him in numerous ways, disguising herself as Mentes, a prince, to encourage his son, Telemachus, to embark on a journey to find his father. Athena advocates for Odysseus, intervening in his favor with the gods and helping him defeat the suitors upon his return. Through her actions, Athena symbolizes the power and influence of women in patriarchal societies, challenging the notion that women are inferior to men. She showcases the ability of women to guide and shape the destinies of heroes.
The overall portrayal of women in the Odyssey is multi-faceted. On one hand, there are women like Penelope and Athena who embody strength, intelligence, and loyalty. Their actions showcase that women are capable of making crucial decisions and playing pivotal roles in the lives of men. They defy societal expectations and norms, illustrating the agency women possess.
On the other hand, there are female characters who embody more conventional roles, such as Circe and Calypso, who act as temptresses and disrupters of Odysseus' journey. These characters showcase the dangers of indulging in the pleasures of the flesh and serve as cautionary tales for men.
Overall, the female characters in the Odyssey serve to demonstrate the diverse roles and characteristics that women can possess. They challenge the preconceived notions of women's inferiority, showing that women can be powerful, influential, and even instrumental in shaping the lives and destinies of men.