Analysis Of Homer 's ' The Iliad And The Odyssey ' Essay

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By examining the roles that women play in Homer’s epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, the political divide becomes even more apparent. The role of women is clearly defined throughout these literary works, and some of what Homer teaches us is still pertinent today. One such instance that draws attention to the political divide is the structure of leadership in Ithaca. Penelope in The Odyssey assumes a position of power while Odysseus is away from Ithaca fighting in the Trojan War. She defies the typical role of women by being in control. She is also extremely intelligent, and stands as a sign of hope for other women moving forward. Penelope shows determination and persistence throughout the poem, exhibiting strong characteristics that are valued in a leader. Yet, the throughout the entirety of Odysseus’ absence, suitors from neighboring countries try and persuade her to marry them so that Ithaca has a strong male figurehead and can avoid ruin.

Furthermore, Penelope stays loyal to Odysseus for the whole twenty years, while her husband has a passionate, if somewhat divinely caused, affair with Calypso. Penelope’s loyalty is characteristic of her position in society, as it shows that she deeply loves Odysseus and does not want to overthrow his regime in Ithaca by marrying a suitor. Additionally, the way she detains the suitors’ pursuits, by “set[ting] up a great loom in her palace…weaving a web of threads” and telling them she would choose a suitor when complete, but then

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