Penelope

Loyal: “drench her fair cheeks”, cries a lot that Odysseus hasn’t returned, she denies the suitors because she thinks he’s alive, constantly thinking of him

Clever: ‘wove’ a shroud for 4 years, tests disguised Odysseus, tests Odysseus, creates the bow contest

Good Hostess: offers disguised Odysseus a bath and a bed

Kind: Tells off suitors for mocking disguised Odysseus, Tells off Melantho for insulting disguised Odysseus

Obedient: She obeys Telemachus when he tells her to go away

Odysseus and Penelope? Good Match?

• both of them are very wise, clever, and cunning

• they both cry longing for each other

• Penelope is more loyal

Penelope bad bits?

• she admits to neglecting host duties because she’s sad

• ignores disguised Odysseus’ request for no questions

modern wise

• didn’t stand up for herself against suitors and Telemachus

Host/Queen

Wife

Penelope is an amazing wife and is basically the perfect ancient greek woman so i’m not doing a bad wife side, but she did think of remarrying one of the suitors

• she loves Odysseus so much she cries every night about him till Athena puts her to sleep

• she believes Odysseus is alive despite him being gone for 20 years and uses strategies like the shroud and the bow contest to avoid remarrying anyone

• she remains loyal (unlike Odysseus)

• she’s pretty, she’s compared to Aphrodite (ik it doesn’t make her a better wife and seems shallow)

• she’s smart like Odysseus as they both test each other when they reunite

• she provides Odysseus with a male heir Telemachus, this would help continue Odysseus’ legacy