Odyssey Essay: The Portrayal Of Women In The Odyssey

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The Portrayal of Women in the Odyssey In The Odyssey, Homer brings one back to Ancient Greek society through his writings about the lifestyles, perspectives, and values of the people. Trapped within a cruel, patriarchal social order society, women hold very low statuses in comparison to men. In fact, they are considered objects of male power. Homer uses female characters such as Penelope, Calypso, and Circe to show views of women and how their portrayals represent the patriarchal perspective of their male-centric society. The character of Penelope is portrayed as the archetype of the proper Homeric woman. She is faithful, passionate, and has her heart set on waiting for Odysseus’ return. Despite the constant pressures from her suitors, she puts them off by telling them that she will pick a new husband after she completes a burial shroud for Odysseus. The delaying tactics Penelope uses reveal her sly and cunning side. Although Penelope is intelligent, beautiful, and essentially has all the characteristics of the proper Homeric woman, because of her gender, she is forced to submit ...

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