Penelope

Question 1

Give 4 examples of how we know Penelope is loyal and faithful to Odysseus

Answer 1

1) She waits for him for 20 years, in which she openly and poignantly laments
2) For 3 years, she leads the Suitors on and falsely weaves Laertes’ shroud
3) Her loyalty is praised by Agamemnon, a notorious women mistruster
4) She rightfully cautious & requires for Odysseus to prove himself as Odysseus

Question 2

How can we describe Penelope?

Answer 2

Loyal, faithful, modest

Question 3

How does Agamemnon describe Penelope’s loyalty? ”“

Answer 3

“too loyal in thoughts and feelings.”

Question 4

How is Penelope’s described as a result of her schemes, and by who?

Answer 4

“incomparable schemer” - Antinous (to Telemachus B2)

Question 5

How does Penelope have Odysseus prove himself?

Answer 5

Penelope…
- makes a passing comment to Eurycleia to move their bed
- to see if Odysseus will clock that the bed HE made cannot be moved (made around an oak tree)
- and he does!

Question 6

Only when did Penelope allow herself to believe Odysseus’ identity? ”“

Answer 6

Only after “he had given her infallible proof.”

Question 7

Who is Penelope drawn as a parallel to?

Answer 7

Clytemnestra