The Shroud Penelope Weaves For Laertes In Homer's Odyssey

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Explain how the significance of the shroud Penelope weaves for Laertes conveys the theme of loyalty to one’s family. One of the very important motifs Homer uses in The Odyssey is the concept of loyalty. The reoccurring example of this trait is of Penelope, Odysseus’s wife, who waited patiently for nearly two decades for the return of her husband. A lot can be said for the perseverance of Penelope concerning her endurance of the elapsed time between her and her husband. Through her beguiling ways, Penelope was able to confront the suitors from her time well spent weaving the shroud for Odysseus’s father, Laertes. The significance of Penelope’s weaving of the shroud conveys the theme of loyalty to one’s family by foreshadowing events that take …show more content…

“So for three years she was secret in her design, convincing the Achaians.”(2.93-106) This was also quoted by Antinous, the main suitor who pressured Penelope to accept his hand in marriage. Antinous claims that Penelope was “secret in her design”, thus indicating how she was sneaking and careful in making sure none of the suitors found out about her devious plan. Penelope knew from the beginning that there was absolutely no one she would allow herself to be married off to any one of those rude suitors who dared to come into her house, use what did not belong to them, and antagonize her family. At first, Penelope had somehow managed to convince all of Ithaca that what she had been doing was completely acceptable—that she was only weaving a shroud for the father of her husband and the grandfather of her only child. For a long time she was pitied, “convincing the Achaians” that what she’d been doing for so many years was an innocent gesture. Nevertheless, weaving and unweaving the shroud was not a bad thing that Penelope was doing. Yes, she was being secretive, but that was simply because there was no other possible way out for her. Her only options were to either stay loyal to her husband or be honest and open to the people of Ithaca. Of course Penelope, who was very much in love with her husband, chose to stay loyal to him. Even though her secret could not last for long, Penelope managed to play her role accurately. This situation really exemplifies Penelope’s love and dedication towards

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