Female persona represented in The Odyssey
Not what you're looking for?
This excerpt discusses the first few lines of The Odyssey and additionally explains their importance and relevance to the strength of the female persona. Athena, Penelope and Odysseus all possess feminine traits, but use them in very different ways.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
Although this excerpt touches on the feminine traits of Athena and Penelope, it is Odysseus who steals the show and exemplifies the importance of emotion. This excerpt explains why this is so and the impact that it had throughout the story.
Solution Preview
The strength of the female persona is brought to the forefront of literature in the story of The Odyssey. This can be seen via characters Athena, Penelope and Odysseus. Although Odysseus is a man, he possesses feminine qualities, such as the ability to cry and show emotion publicly. Likewise, Athena is the character, or "god" if you will, who has the ability to keep hope alive for both Odysseus and Penelope. She is the glue that holds everything together while this couple's lives are in turmoil.
In addition to providing great examples of the strength in femininity, The Odyssey displays extreme cases of role reversal, especially in the characters Odysseus and Penelope. By giving the kingship to Penelope when Odysseus is away, strength is given to women, and by giving Odysseus the courage to cry and express strong emotions, strength is given to both men and women. These ...
Education
- Master Online Teacher Certificate, University of Illinois
- MS, National Louis University
- MA, National Louis University
- BA, University of Illinois
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
The Hero's Journey
This quiz will test your knowledge over what the hero's journey is and some examples from literature and the performing arts.
The Basic Components of Writing
Knowledge of the basics of writing is necessary for student essays at all levels. This quiz will test your knowledge on the basic components.
Macbeth Comprehension Act Five
Test your knowledge on the final Act of Shakespeare's final play. Choose the best answers to questions about plot, characters, and imagery from this Act.
Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal
This quiz was written to test your understanding of Jonathan Swift’s essay, A Modest Proposal.
Introductory Vocabulary for "The Pearl"
Introductory Vocabulary Terms for "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck. The novella that presents a family in Mexico who suddenly has riches and the impact on their lives.