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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Criteria
(Weight)
Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Points Awarded
Ideas/Purpose
(× 2)
The main idea or
purpose is
clearly stated.
The response is
fully relevant.
The response
strongly
supports the
main idea or
purpose.
The main idea or
purpose is
stated.
The response is
generally
relevant.
The response
mostly supports
the main idea or
purpose.
The main idea or
purpose may be
unclear.
The response is
somewhat
relevant.
The response
provides basic
support for the
main idea or
purpose.
The main idea or
purpose is
unclear.
The response has
little or no
relevance.
Textual
Evidence
(× 1)
There at least
four specific
details,
examples, and/or
citations that
make clear
reference to the
text.
There are at
least four
examples,
details, and/or
citations that
make general
reference to the
text.
There are fewer
than four
examples,
details, or
citations that
make reference
to the text.
The textual
evidence is
limited or
vague.
There are fewer
than two
examples,
details, or
citations that
make reference
to the text.
The textual
evidence is not
fully relevant.
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Criteria
(Weight)
Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Points Awarded
Conventions
(× 1)
There is a strong
command of
conventions.
Punctuation,
capitalization,
and spelling are
consistently
correct.
There is a
general
command of
conventions.
Punctuation,
capitalization,
and spelling are
mostly correct.
There is a partial
command of
conventions.
Punctuation,
capitalization,
and spelling are
inconsistent or
weak.
Errors in
conventions may
occasionally
interfere with
meaning.
There is a
limited
command of
conventions.
Punctuation and
capitalization are
mostly
incorrect.
There are
multiple errors
in spelling.
Errors in
conventions
often interfere
with meaning.
In Homer's Odyssey, women play various roles that contribute to the overall portrayal of women in the epic. Two notable female characters are Penelope and Circe.
Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, is portrayed as loyal and intelligent. Despite being left alone for 20 years, she remains faithful to her husband and devises a plan to ward off suitors who seek to marry her and claim Odysseus' kingdom. She uses her intelligence and cleverness to deceive the suitors, buying time for Odysseus to return. Penelope represents the faithful and resourceful wife who patiently waits for her husband's return, showcasing the virtues of loyalty and intelligence in women.
Circe, a powerful sorceress, shows the complexity of women's roles in the epic. Initially, she turns Odysseus' men into pigs, but Odysseus' intelligence allows him to resist her enchantment and overcome her. Circe's role showcases the power and allure of women but also implies the danger of their power if not understood or respected. She is seen as powerful and cunning, representing the potential of women's power and the need for men to approach it with caution and respect.
These two female characters highlight different aspects of women's roles in the epic. Penelope embodies loyalty, intelligence, and endurance, while Circe represents power and danger. Their portrayals show that women can be both virtuous and powerful but also highlights the complexity and challenges they face in a patriarchal society. Overall, women in the Odyssey are depicted as multifaceted characters who play significant roles in shaping the events of the epic.