Choose two of the female characters from the passages in this unit:
“The Odyssey” by Homer
“Orpheus and Eurydice” an ancient Greek myth
Describe their character traits and how they affected the plot of the story. Do you think these female characters were more, less, or equally as important to the story as the male protagonist? Use specific details from the text to support your response and include the title, author, and genre of the story in your answer.
Female Character 1: Penelope from "The Odyssey" by Homer
Character Traits: Penelope is portrayed as a faithful, intelligent, and cunning woman. She is known for her patience and loyalty towards her husband, Odysseus, during his long absence. Penelope is depicted as wise and perceptive, as she devises the plan of the weaving and subsequent unraveling of the shroud to delay her suitors.
Effect on the Plot: Penelope's character traits play a significant role in the plot of the story. Her faithfulness and loyalty become a driving force for Odysseus, motivating him to overcome various obstacles and return home to her. Furthermore, her cleverness and ability to deceive the suitors are essential in keeping them at bay until Odysseus' arrival.
Importance to the Story: Penelope is undeniably crucial to the story. As the wife of the protagonist, she symbolizes the ultimate goal for Odysseus, providing him with a reason to persevere and fight his way back home. Without Penelope's character and her unwavering faith, the plot would lack a central focal point and lose much of its emotional depth.
Female Character 2: Eurydice from "Orpheus and Eurydice," an ancient Greek myth
Character Traits: Eurydice is depicted as a loving and devoted wife. She possesses compassion, grace, and sensitivity, which are evident in her interactions with Orpheus. Her character is also tragically marked by her untimely death, evoking sympathy and pathos.
Effect on the Plot: Eurydice's character serves as a catalyst for the plot. Her sudden death, caused by a snake bite, triggers Orpheus' journey to the underworld to bring her back. Without Eurydice's death, there would be no need for Orpheus to venture into the realm of Hades, and the story's central conflict and quest would cease to exist.
Importance to the Story: Despite Eurydice's limited direct presence in the narrative, her role is pivotal. Her death drives the entire plot forward, propelling Orpheus into his quest and testing his musical abilities. Additionally, her character heightens the emotional impact of the story, presenting a parallel to the tragic nature of Orpheus' fate.
Comparison of Female Characters to Male Protagonists: Both Penelope from "The Odyssey" and Eurydice from "Orpheus and Eurydice" hold significant importance in their respective stories. While they may have different roles and levels of agency compared to their male counterparts, their influence on the plot cannot be understated. Penelope's unwavering faith and cleverness deeply impact the outcome of "The Odyssey," making her equally as important as Odysseus. Similarly, Eurydice's death acts as the catalyst for Orpheus' journey, thus playing an equally vital role in the narrative. Therefore, these female characters should be considered equally significant to their male protagonists.