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Penelope in "The Odyssey", 2006.
An analysis of the character of Penelope in Homer's classic "The Odyssey."
784 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper details the significance of Penelope's character in the Greek classic "The Odyssey," by Homer. The writer contends and explains how Penelope's cleverness and cunning works to her advantage in dealing with her suitors, which she divides and pits against one another. This brief yet concise paper details the plot of Homer's poem while illustrating Penelope's personality as a clever manipulator.
From the Paper
"Penelope's first reaction to the stranger is curiosity. The first thing she must know about him is exactly who he is. She asks to know about his family and his hometown. When he recounts that he once knew Odysseus, she becomes sorrowful and also speculative. She then asks him to tell her what "sort of clothes her wore; what the man himself was like, and the comrades who were with him." As he answers her question, she becomes more tearful and he attitudes toward the stranger changes. She tells him that he will be "one beloved and honored" in her halls. She also tells him that of all the stranger that have made their way to her, none have seemed so much like Odysseus in "form, voice, and feet." Here it seems as though Penelope may be aware that the stranger is indeed Odysseus but she never acknowledges this fact forthright."
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Penelope's Suitors in Homer's "Odyssey", 2007.
A discussion of the narrative function and importance of Penelope's suitors within Homer's "Odyssey".
1,104 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes how the many suitors that unsuccessfully woo Odysseus's wife, Penelope, when Odysseus is away for 20 years fighting the Trojan war, serve, stylistically, to expand the number and variety of viewpoints in the text. The paper further analyzes how this reinforces the theme of Penelope's loyalty to her absent husband. The essay discusses how the presence of these many suitors within Odysseus' household during his absence, and their efforts to woo his wife away from him, serve several distinct narrative functions.
From the Paper
"When Odysseus finally does at last arrive home to Ithaca again, disguising himself now as an elderly beggar, it becomes abundantly clear to Odysseus that Penelope has indeed remained faithful to him throughout his twenty-year absence, and especially during the difficult period of the last four years since Troy has fallen. In order to have managed to do so, however, Penelope has had to think up clever tricks and time-buying strategies, including the telling of her suitors that she was weaving a burial shroud for Laertes, the old father of Odysseus, and that as soon as she finishes with this work she would then finally choose from among her many impatiently waiting suitors."
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Clytemnestra and Penelope, 2006.
A comparison between the characters of Clytemnestra from Aeschylus' "Agamemnon" and Penelope from Homer's "Odyssey."
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts two female characters from the Greek classics: Clytemnestra from Aeschylus' "Agamemnon" and Penelope from Homer's "Odyssey." The author shows how the lives of both characters are profoundly affected by the Trojan War and the absence of their husbands. However, the author also demonstrates how the two have completely opposite natures and motivations -- Clytemnestra's hate for Agamemnon and Penelope's love for Odysseus.
From the Paper
"Penelope is the perfect match to Odysseus. Strong and determined, she has been hanging on to the hope that he will return to her one day. In the meantime, she has to make use of her intelligence to keep the suitors away from her and the throne. In an effort to protect her only son Telemakhos, she keeps the suitors' hopes of marrying her alive. She learns the ways of deceit as a means of survival. Smarter than the men who crowd her hall, she slips through their fingers with ingenious stratagems such as the weaving of the shroud and the bow competition. But her condition as a woman only allows her liberty of action to a certain extent. Even though her intelligence is enough to trick even the clever Odysseus as it is told in Book Twenty-three (the olive tree trunk bed), she knows that with the return of her husband her power is no more. As a woman, her will is accepted as long as it does not interfere with the male fancy. "This question of the bow will be for men to settle, most of all for me. I am master here" (Fitzgerald, 414), declares Telemakhos, neutralizing his mother's orders concerning the bow competition. Penelope does not question the limitations she has to accept because of her condition as a woman. She bows down to them, realizing that it is not for her to contradict a man's order. Penelope has never really wanted to ascend to the throne and govern Ithaca. It is the immediacy of the threat to Odysseus' power that pushes her to find a way to preserve what belongs to her man by right -- or, in this case, by marriage, since Odysseus has become ruler of the land by means of taking Penelope as his wife. Unlike Clytemnestra, whose ability to reign over Argos is admired and praised, Penelope is unable to maintain the order in Ithaca."
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Comparing Athena and Penelope, 2003.
Comparison of the portrayals of Athena and Penelope and their roles in Homer's "The Odyssey".
2,454 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Penelope and Athena's portrayals and roles in "The Odyssey" using Homer's description of them and how he wrote the characters, how Odysseus himself views the two women, and how they both help Odysseus in his journey back to Ithaca.
From the Paper
"The ?owl-eyed goddess? Athena (Homer 1, 87), described in this way many times throughout the piece, is characterized generally as an intelligent, witty, caring god who takes extreme interest in Odysseus. Athena?s role is vital in getting Odysseus back to Ithaca, as demonstrated in the countless episodes of vital assistance lent to Odysseus in his times of need. One small example of her help is when Athena beautifies Odysseus directly before the final revealing of him to Penelope in Book 23. Athena is also portrayed as very caring, through her assistance to Odysseus and comments such as this made here by Nestor: ?Ah, if only grey-eyed Athena chose to love you/ The way she did glorious Odysseus/ In the land of Troy! I have never seen/ A god show love so openly/ As Athena did to him. / You could see her/ Standing at his side!? (Homer 3, 242-247). This quote emphasizes Homer?s writing of the goddess as especially caring towards Odysseus, while again using the ?grey-eyed? physical description of her. The author?s style of describing Athena as necessary to the basic plot of the story commands further respect for the character. Without Athena, the majority of the poem would not take place. The story would end with Odysseus stranded on Calypso?s island. Homer interjects his own reverence for her when describing Agamemnon?s distaste towards the army?s sailing to sea."
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The Weaving Power of Athena and Penelope, 2004.
An analysis of Homer's "The Odyssey" with a focus on the female characters, Penelope and Athena.
1,715 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Homer's "The Odyssey". The paper explains that although Athena and Penelope are very different in terms of their general gender characteristics and hence their relative power, they are also very much alike in the way they actually influence events and manipulate the world around them. The paper examines how both inspire men to great deeds, for better or worse; both affect their environment through trickery and guile and both use their beauty to influence others.
From the Paper
"Homer's tale of the Odyssey is populated by many female characters, ranging in nature from the silent and submissive to the ferociously lethal. If one were to pick out two women who are most influential in the shaping of the story, however, the choice would certainly linger on the strange dyad of Athena and Penelope. Athena serves as the direct initiator of much of the action, and it is her force of will that drives the return of Odysseus and the death of the suitors. Penelope, on the other hand, is the inspiration which motivates the principle actors -- for herself, she takes precious little action and is deeply passive, even paralyzed, yet her very existence is enough to spur Odysseus from the side of his goddess-lover and to inspire the blind devotion of her suitors. "
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"The Odyssey: A Stage Version", 2005.
An analysis of the moral journey of Penelope in Derek Walcott's "The Odyssey: A Stage Version".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the character of Penelope in "The Odyssey: A Stage Version". The paper analyzes how Penelope does take a journey, but in a different manner that her husband, Odysseus. The moral and ethical journey of marital loyalty becomes the psychological obstacles that Penelope must overcome in her inner travels. The paper further discusses how Penelope is represented in other characters, such as Circe, as a memory that moves in tandem with Odysseus. However, it is the journey of loyalty and commitment at home where Penelope shows prudence, morality, and fidelity in her behaviors and actions under great marital duress.
From the Paper
"In this drama study the journeys of Penelope in Derek Walcott's "The Odyssey: A Stage Version", one can find a moral set of tests that are brought forth through the disguises of Odysseus. In this manner, Penelope must undergo a series of trials that will either prove loyalty or betrayal to the memory of her marriage vows to Odysseus. In this manner, the journey of Penelope, although far more stationary that those of Odysseus, is as series of moral and psychological tests that prove her loyalty to marriage. Although much of The Odyssey in Walcott's staged presentation relies on the journey of Odysseus returning home from the Trojan Wars, it is apparent that there are other character that must invariably live parallel journeys in relation to the main character."
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Homer's "Odyssey", 2005.
This paper compares the characters Penelope and Eurykleia in Homer's "Odyssey".
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Penelope and Eurykleia in Homer's "Odyssey" are similar in a number of respects. The author points out that the significant point is that Penelope uses her reason and planning powers while Eurykleia is a person who has access to information and can act to bring out the truth. The paper stress that they are complementary.
From the Paper
"From the contemporary perspective, Penelope and Eurykleia appear in many respects to be constrained and to be inferior to men. However, both of these women play crucial roles in The Odyssey. Eurykleia is a practical woman of action, a confidante, and a person who has the perception to identify the truth. Penelope, on the other hand, has the power to determine the entire outcome of the epic, depending on her decision regarding the suitors. Both women have power, and Penelope makes it clear that she could have prevented the entire journey by Odysseus, while the final outcome could not have occurred without Eurykleia's assistance to Odysseus."
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Homer?s Odyssey, 2002.
A discussion of Homer's Odyssey, illustrating the relationship between Telemakhos and Penelope.
1,084 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the complex set of both personal and cultural relationships between many characters in Homer?s Odyssey. The paper describes Homeric culture, which demanded that a high level of attention be paid to social norms and standards. The paper portrays the loyalty the characters must show, through an examination of the relationship between Telemakhos and his mother Penelope.
From the Paper
"Telemakhos shows both admiration and loyalty toward his mother, his household and his father by publicly lamenting and confronting the intruding suitors in a public assembly, an assembly that is not called together frequently and seems to be reserved for very important events or occasions. Telemakhos makes clear to the assembly that he wishes that the suitors withdraw from his home because they are both unwanted and because proof of his father?s death, even after such a long absence, has not been determined. Telemakhos reports that his mother wishes to remain faithful to Odysseus until some sure sign of his death is brought to her, yet she is forced by custom to address so many unwanted suitors and feels unprotected so far from her own family."
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Identity and Myth in "The Odyssey", 2008.
An exploration of the problem of identity and the role of mythology in Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey."
2,967 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 87.95
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Abstract
This paper explores selected themes in Homer's Odyssey. The writer analyzes the use of disguise in the story to conceal identity, and how Penelope finally identifies Odysseus as her husband in spite of his disguise. The writer examines the role of Athena, who also changes her identity repeatedly, as the mythical power behind Odysseus, and the one who transforms him into an old beggar before his return to Ithaca. The writer discusses the paradoxes that arise from concealing and from changing identities in the story, and concludes that, whether disguised or not, Odysseus is always a powerful presence throughout the story.
Outline
ONE: Among the Most Important Scenes in The Odyssey: Penelope and Odysseus
TWO: Theories of Myth and The Odyssey
THREE: Ways in Which Identity is an Important Theme in The Odyssey
From the Paper
"This story has within it a lot of imagery and straightforward references about the identity of people, and their changing identities affect the theme of the story. Homer is writing about characters and their identity all though the story; some characters change their identity, some even hide their identity, and it seems as if the symbol of those confusing changes of identity comes down to the poet looking at a common human problem."
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Woman of the "Odyssey", 2004.
An analysis of the role of the female characters in Homer's "Odyssey".
1,162 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, although most of the action of Homer's "Odyssey" focuses on Odysseus as a hero who undergoes many trials and tribulations, both before and after his homecoming, the poem would not be complete without a number of strong female characters, many of whom show themselves to be testaments to the power of women in ancient Greece. It looks at how several of the female characters, especially Penelope and Circe, show that both dutiful and strong women play a role in the work. It compares the role of Penelope, who waits faithfully for many years for Odysseus to return, with that of Circe, who is represented as a dangerous female who tries to tempt Odysseus away from his wife and family through magic.
From the Paper
"Penelope is not the only strong female character in the Odyssey: many of the deities and creatures Odysseus encounters on his journey are female, but these charactersare not portrayed as good and positive like Penelope is. Calypso and the Sirens are examples of the relatively one-dimensional female characters who act as a threat to Odysseus and his men, but Circe is another character who becomes three-dimensional in
her ability to change as the work progresses. At first, Circe, a deity who is portrayed as being surpassingly beautiful, is a danger to the wanderers, and she turns half of them into swine. This mixture of beauty and danger is present in many of the Odyssey?s female
characters, especially in those faced by the hero."
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"Odyssey" and "O Brother Where Art Thou?"., 2002.
A comparison between Homer's epic novel the 'Odyssey' and the adapted screenplay version of the epic film,"O Brother Where Art Thou?", directed and produced by Joel and Ethan Coen .
1,310 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The following paper draws parallels between Homer?s "Odyssey" and the Coen Brother?s "O Brother Where Art Thou?". In the year 2000, the inventive and provocative filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen reworked the Odyssey in a liberal way, changing scenes, settings and characters. The writer compares the original epic and the original screenplay and discusses dozens of small but meaningful comparisons. For instance, Odysseus and his men descend into Hades where they encounter several ghosts from Odysseus?s past; in the film the boys meet a fellow inmate who they thought was dead. Odysseus from the original epic and Ulysses from the film (played by George Clooney) both have to prove to their wives that they are true: Ulysses must bring Penny the ring to redeem himself. In the Odyssey, Book 23, Penelope declares that ?there are tokens with which we two alone are acquainted,? (Butler trans.). Although it was written millennia ago in ancient Greece, the parables of the Odyssey remain extant for a reason: Its themes are universal and accessible and adaptable for all time. The Coen brothers' movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?" exemplifies Homer?s timelessness, as well as their own versatility.
From the Paper
"Homer?s Odyssey is more than an epic tale of a man ?who wandered far and wide,? across the sea; it is an archetypal journey with universal and enduring import. It is not difficult to find parallels between Odysseus?s adventures and modern ones, for ultimately the Odyssey transcends its details. Homer erected a narrative structure that lends itself to adaptation and reconstruction. Most notable to modern reinterpretations of Homer?s Odyssey is James Joyce?s Ulysses, which focuses on and develops the relationship between father (Odysseus/Leopold Bloom) and son (Telemachus/Stephen Dedalus). In the year 2000, the inventive and provocative filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen reworked the Odyssey in an equally liberal way, changing scenes, settings, and characters. But whereas Joyce?s version of the Odyssey is microcosmic, its journey more psychological than physical, the Coen brothers? O Brother Where Art Thou? rambles through a decidedly physical and farcical tale. At first glance the film resembles Homer?s epic little: only certain elements are obvious like George Clooney?s character?s name (Ulysses) and the three sirens by the river. A deeper investigation of the film and the original text reveals numerous, if more subtle, references."
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The Rites of Manhood in "The Odyssey", 2008.
An examination of the issue of marriage and the rites of manhood for Telemachus in "The Odyssey" by Homer.
856 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at why marriage and the rites of manhood are central reasons for the journey that Telemachus must undertake in search of his father, Odysseus, in "The Odyssey" by Homer. Telemachus is a young adult that desperately desires to see his father return, since his mother, Penelope, is under great pressure to remarry due to his 20-year absence. It examines Telemachus' journey into manhood to find his father, preventing his mother from remarrying and the loss of family honor.
From the Paper
"The first appearance of Telemachus in The Odyssey relates directly to his defiance of the suitors that wish to marry is mother, Queen Penelope. He is a young man of around twenty years old, and has played a crucial part in the denial of the suitors' admission into his house. In this regard, Athena has already intervened with Telemachus, which has given him the courage to speak against the suitors. This provides a forum for Telemachus to stand up to the greedy and insolent men that only want to marry Penelope because of her power. Telemachus begins his passage into manhood by speaking to the suitors in Book I."
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Women of "The Odyssey", 2004.
An exploration of the female characters in Homer's "The Odyssey".
1,213 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, although Odysseus is without a doubt the main character of Homer's "The Odyssey", the women of the epic support and make possible the progression of his voyage. It analyzes how the importance of the roles of these women is grossly understated and how they are more than 'damsels in distress', for they drive the action of the story. It looks at how they are responsible for the rise, fall, and the eventual return home of Odysseus and how, on each leg of Odysseus?s journey, there is a woman who is instrumental in the continuation of his voyage. It shows how Nausicaa, Arete, Penelope, and Athena are among the more impressive and intriguing women who influence and facilitate Odysseus?s continued journey home.
From the Paper
"The character of Penelope is perhaps the most underestimated in the entire epic. She is portrayed as the typical woman. She weeps incessantly then takes to her bed so that Athena may bring comforting dreams. Penelope, however, is much more faithful, powerful, intelligent and cunning than her weeping and sleeping might lead the reader to believe. In addition to being intelligent and cunning, Penelope is intensely loyal and faithful to Odysseus throughout his absence. Without Penelope?s enduring faithfulness, Odysseus would not have had a home to return to. At first glance, Penelope appears to be rather powerless. On the contrary, she is able to hold the suitors at bay for nearly twenty years."
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"Odyssey", 2002.
A review of Homer?s "Odyssey" with an emphasis on the theme of concealment.
891 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Homer?s "Odyssey" deals with many themes and how one of the most predominant of them is that of concealment. It looks at how Homer employs concealment in a number of different ways and for the most part, each instance is done to aid Odysseus in his struggle to return home. It evaluates how concealment is basically a product of wit or knowledge and, for the purposes of this paper, it argues that Homer uses concealment to emphasize the knowledge of Odysseus, Penelope and the Gods. It also argues that Homer is asserting knowledge as the most beneficial and desirable attribute for an individual.
From the Paper
"Homer gives Odysseus the benefit of disguise for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because Homer has placed such tremendous odds against Odysseus?s favor. There are nearly fifty suitors, and only Odysseus and Telemachus to contend against them. Homer knows that physical strength is not enough for his hero to win back his household, so he instills in Odysseus certain wittiness, or cleverness. The act of concealment is essentially a means of showing that Odysseus was smarter than his opponents. By doing this, Homer creates a better-rounded image of Odysseus. Not only his he mighty in strength and knowledge, but he is also clever. He can outfight and outwit any man, and this is why we see him fit to be a true hero."
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Athena's Role in "The Odyssey", 2002.
Focuses on Athena's intervention with Odysseus in "The Odyssey".
1,995 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 0 sources, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper examines "The Odyssey" through the eyes of Athena and her relationships with Telemachus, Odysseus, and Penelope.
From the Paper
"Telemachus is the first person to encounter Athena in the Odyssey, and in fact he is the one who needs the most attention, due to his lack of age. Athena has a plan to destroy the suitors who devour Odysseus? wealth, but in order for it to work, Telemachus has to go through his ?rites of passage,? to become a man. Athena knew that Odysseus? blood ran through the veins of young Telemachus and that all he needed to get it pumping was a little adventure. She decided to send him to Nestor in Pylos and Menaleus in Sparta for news of his father. They were two men who knew his father well and would be able to give Telemachus a sense of who his father is. She is sure to stay by Telemachus? side at all times to teach him the tricks of the trade. Like a father would. She did this until he felt secure in making his own decisions. Even then she was there to give him an encouraging word or two. "
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