The benefits of “being” Penelope are two-fold.
First, it implies the story of Odysseus is not yet finished or complete (much like Homer’s poem).
Second, it brings out the power and dignity in Odysseus’ wife. Odysseus may be gone for many years – but he has not been forgotten; his name still lives on in legend; his homecoming is not only anticipated but hoped for.
When reading the epic simile of Penelope and her weaving, based on the epic simile, the reader should envision penelope as a queen who is patient and strong.
Penelope is like a queen. This is an example of metonymy: Penelope is the name of a queen; it is also the name of Odysseus’ wife.
Her name becomes a representation of something else, her strength and wisdom as she waits for her husband, as well as the accomplishments of the women in this epic poem.
She represents all these women who must find some way to control their circumstances and shape what they can, even if those circumstances are difficult.
Here at some points about Penelope-
1.Penelope is the epitome of patience.
She waits for many years, in spite of her despair, in spite of her sorrow, in spite of the suitors’ constant insults and accusations.
And will wait until she is sure, until she can no longer bear to be doubted by others. She will wait until she gets the news from a reliable source.
She is a master of patience, not only for her own self but also for her son and maids, who expect a prompt riposte, a prompt response to their requests.
Also conscious of her power and strength, but she chooses to deny that power in favour of prudence and quietude.
2.Penelope is described as beautiful.
This means that she has a pleasing appearance or an attractive exterior. She is described as having grey eyes, radiant cheeks, and slender fingers.
She is also said to have perfect features and to be attractive in every aspect of herself. Every phrase about her beauty either describes her face or hair or body movements, which makes it easy to connect with her overall picture of “beauty”.
3.She has innate charm
She has this intuitive feminine charm that encourages men around her to do things for her without any request, just by the mere presence of her natural gracefulness and beauty.
4. Penelope is an earth mother
The world of men is not her world, she has no real interest in that, she shows no real interest in that.
She has sole responsibility for the running of her household and takes care of everything.
Only when it comes to the matter of her husband is she passionate, so much so that she can fight for his honor.
5.Penelope is able to take care of everything
She is the one who has sole responsibility for everything, she can take care of her household, she can deal with the suitors, she can work on her weaving no matter how many times there are interruptions.
She genuinely has no other distractions in her life apart from her constant concern about her husband.
6.She is able to manage all the duties in her household well
Men are not always capable of taking care of their families, they often become easily exasperated and overburdened by their job or housework.
That is what the suitors are like; they are constantly asking, troubling her for marriage or asking her to marry them (one can’t quite tell).
She does not let any of them do anything to her. She has all the power and authority in her household; she manages it well.
7.She is able to deal with all her household duties well
Perhaps she is not trained as a wife, perhaps there are too many duties for her to do-but she does the best that she can.
She never puts more pressure on herself than she can bear. She does not treat herself harshly, but seems to have an innate sense of management of all the household affairs.
8.Diomedes cherishes Penelope
He seems to genuinely care for Penelope, most likely because she is especially very attractive or at least she was in Odysseus’ eyes. He is one of the few suitors who is said to really like her; he is actually in love with her; he brings her gifts, he wants to marry her.
But Penelope does not allow it; she does not allow him to do anything that would hurt her husband’s reputation or his position in the world (he was a world traveler).
She will not be an accomplice or betrayer of any kind.
The Similes section of the book has long stanzas about Penelope’s weaving, weaving being a metaphor for waiting, patience and perseverance. Her weaving symbolises these qualities in her.
