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.
And write like a fifth grader.
In Homer's Odyssey, there are many female characters who play important roles in the story. Two of these female characters are Penelope and Circe.
Penelope is the wife of the main character, Odysseus. She is known for her loyalty and patience. When Odysseus goes on his long journey, Penelope waits for him faithfully for twenty years. She is a strong and clever woman who uses her wit to trick the suitors who try to take her husband's place while he is away. She weaves a shroud for her father-in-law, claiming that she will choose a suitor after finishing it. However, she unravels her progress every night, giving herself more time to wait for Odysseus' return. Penelope's role in the story shows that women can be brave and smart, and they can have their own agency, even when they are surrounded by powerful men.
Circe is a witch and goddess who lives on a mysterious island. She is known for her magical powers and for turning men into animals. When Odysseus and his men visit her island, she turns some of them into pigs. However, Odysseus manages to resist her powers and convinces her to turn his men back to humans. Circe's role in the story shows that women are not always the ones who need help, but they can also have immense power and control over others. She challenges the traditional idea that women are weak or submissive.
Overall, the portrayal of women in the Odyssey is complex. While some female characters are portrayed as loyal and resourceful, others are shown as powerful and capable of causing harm. The story suggests that women can have diverse strengths and abilities, just like the male characters. It teaches us that women should not be underestimated and that they can have significant roles in epic adventures, making the story more interesting and diverse.