Although “The Odyssey” by the Greek poet Homer is considerably an epic quest of a Odysseus’s lionhearted adventure, Penelope played an incredibly large role in Odysseus’ success demonstrated in her motherly ways, faith, and wit.
Motherly figures are consistent throughout “The Odyssey,” and are essentially viewed as pitiful beings, full of melancholy, rather than true “supporters" of their sons and husbands in long periods of absence, due to military needs or personal quests. In some illustrations, mothers are depicted as weak without a steady male figure to guide them. However, this role is broken through the perceived character of Penelope. Due to the fact that Telemachos was incredibly young when Odysseus was drafted, he is doubtful that …show more content…
Odysseus’ absence in the home situates Penelope in a rather unpredictable position. While she is faced with many different circumstances, is it the sole decision of Penelope in which path to take. Her character is divulged through her actions, all of which are in favor of Odysseus. Penelope remains faithful to Odysseus, whilst she is bedevilled by suitors, at the ready to take her hand in marriage. Penelope yearns for his safe return. The suitors, growing impatient, demand her to choose a man to marry. She agrees, however, her heart remains with Odysseus; “She had her great loom standing in the hall and the fine warp of some vast fabric on it; we were attending her, and she said to us ‘Young men, my suitors, now my lord is dead,/ let me finish my weaving before I marry, or else my thread/ would have been spun in vain.’ So every day she wove on the great loom-but every night by torchlight she would unwove it.” (Odyssey ?-?). She waits patiently, yet mournfully, for Odysseus’ return, while vigorously holding her suitors at bay. This demonstrates her enriched dedication to her husband, and the vast amounts of devastation she will put herself through to remain faithful. Her maintained faith plays an essential role in ensuring Odysseus’ thrown will not be taken