Women in the Odyssey
The literature composed during the era when the Odyssey was written was directed by men. Woman characters were valued but the only participated in affairs when they had the permission of men. The men, for the most part, directed the women's lives. The themes used in literature were on the subjects that men would be interested in; combat; warriors, and rulers. Domestic affairs, for the most part, were not noted. There is a immense contrast between the Odyssey and other epic poetry of the period. There are several women characters in the Odyssey. All of them add to plot in significant ways and they are also treated with admiration. The women of the poem change the lives of the gods and men, and how they link in significant ways to one another. Penelope, the wife of Odyssues, is the perfect wife and mother. She is also independant and intelligent. Penelope's character is Homer's model of the ideal woman. She worries when her son Telemachos sails to locate his father and grieves over the absence of her husband. Many times throughout the poem Penelope cries herself to sleep, yearning for information of her husband's welfare. Even aft
each poses a deadly threat to him on his voyage. Odysseus's experience with Skylla is by far the most deadly and disturbing. Whereas the other women succeed only in enticing and delaying the crew, the encounter with Skylla has lethal consequences. Even though he decides to take the sea route that passes near her lair, it seeming to be the least dangerous of the three options, he wants nothing to do with the monster. Yet, instead of passing unscathed, six of his men are taken as the boat sails through the channel. In The Odyssey, Homer introduces many female characters; some play significant roles, some are in the background. Regardless of their importance, distinctions can be made as to their roles in the story: that is, some put forth effort to help Odysseus and the interesting when viewed in the context of the rest of the story. Though her contribution to the plot is minor, Skylla's actions are important. Skylla plays the role of the latter, as do Clypso, Kirke, and the Seirenes. Although none of these women actually harm Odysseus, her selfish desires. Despite her efforts and hospitality, Odysseus still longs for home as h
Some common words found in the essay are:
, Penelope Odysseus's, Odysseus Calypso, Kirke Seirenes, Telemachos Odysseus, Odyssey Homer, Nausikaa Eurykleia, husband penelope,
Approximate Word count = 767
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
