Thus, Odysseus devalues his own wife in order to compliment another woman, which reveals how disloyal of a husband Odysseus really is. In addition, the second quotation captures Odysseus in his infidelity, as he is now sleeping with Calypso, behind Penelope’s back. When Odysseus and Calypso “long in each other’s arms” and “lost themselves in love”, it reveals the adultery and the disloyalty of Odysseus towards Penelope, as he entwines himself in an affair with Calypso. Another example would be Odysseus’s involvement with Circe, the nymph or Aeaea, whom Odysseus made love to. According to the text, it states:

Straightaway she began to swear the oath that I required–never, she’d never do me harm–and when she’d finished, then, at last, …show more content…
When Odysseus “mounted Circe’s gorgeous bed”, it is an implication that he made love to the nymph, despite having a wife. Furthermore, when Odysseus “went up to that luxurious bed of Circe’s” and “hugged her by the knees”, it is further implying the relationship/love affair that Odysseus participated in. As a result, it reveals the disloyal and faithless behavior of Odysseus. Yet, despite engaging in these relationships and being unfaithful to his wife, Odysseus is still praised as a hero throughout the poem and within Greek mythology, revealing how it is socially acceptable for men to have multiple relationships and be disloyal to their spouse. On the other hand, if Penelope did engage in a relationship/affair during Odysseus’s journey, she most likely would be punished or killed, just like the disloyal maids that Odysseus hangs for sleeping with the suitors. Therefore, Penelope’s relationship with Odysseus reveals how women are held to a double …show more content…
When “Telemachus reproached” Penelope, he expressed great disapproval towards his own mother, which is ironic, considering the fact that Telemachus is her son. This is not just irony, but rather, a clear representation of female inferiority, since Telemachus is portrayed as the dominant figure who reprimands his own mother (the submissive). Furthermore, this reveals female inferiority through the idea that men are to give orders and criticism, and women are to receive them. This idea continues throughout this quote, especially when Telemachus says, “your heart was always harder than a rock!”. In any situation, it would be shocking to hear a son yell at his own mother. But, in a male-driven society within The Odyssey, it is not uncommon at all. Here, Telemachus openly criticizes his mother, and she is expected to accept it without challenge. This is, once again, a clear example of gender inequality, and how men can speak however they like, and women must accept that. Consequently, Penelope’s relationship with her son, Telemachus, represents how women are held to a double