Roles Of Women In The Odyssey

The Effects of Women

Although many epics are focused on Greek men and their courageous journeys, both physical and mental, often times the women play a bigger role than they are given credit for. Whether a source of strength or a prize to be fought over, the fairer sex is often a catalyst that brings these heroic men to the place they need to be in order to fulfill their destinies or the necessary asset that helps them complete their journey. In the case of Homer’s, The Odyssey, both Penelope and Athena provide support for Odysseus, while Circe and Calypso are the spark that light the fire in his eyes.

In the article, “The Role of Women in Odysseus” published by UKEssays, the author asserts how women were definitely appreciated in the Homeric culture, but not seen as assets. The author says, “As it is known, the society was formed as if women were there only to serve the men and the involvement of women in any circumstance was almost totally dominated by what the men allowed. Those women were certainly valued in society, but

Some critics might think that marital fidelity is to be expected but one must understand the amount strength it takes to remain faithful while not being sure if your partner is ever coming back. Fidelity is a quality that Odysseus, obviously, does not possess. She was also wise enough to fend off her suitors without resorting to violence or man power. She uses her loom as a way to fight them off and keep them at bay. Penelope utilizes her cunning, once again, when she senses that the old beggar man is actually her husband. She organizes a contest for her suitors and the beggar to shoot an arrow through a dozen axes. This is a trick she knows her husband is good at. This helps her realize that the beggar is, indeed, Odysseus. Although entrapped by Circe and Calypso, Odysseus most likely dreams of returning to Penelope and that makes her his source of strength and his