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Hana Emerson
Mr. Fox
Period 3
3/28/14
FAQ Page
What is Penelope’s childhood background?
Penelopes childhood life was a bit of a disagreement. Her childhood life was not in depth
and very vague. Greek Mythology Index states Penelope was the daughter of Icarius of Sparta
and nymph of Periboea. Although Stanford disagrees with Greek Mythology Index and says that
her mother was Polycaste, not Periboea. Stanford also includes that Icarius promised Penelope to
the man who could beat him in a footrace, and Odysseus was able to defeat and marry Penelope.
In the Greek Myth Index it shares that her parents cast her into the sea, where she was fed by
seabirds and that is where her name arose from. Although Penelope’s childhood was a
disagreement, not many stories expand on the specifics.
What was her life like after she left her parents side?
Although stories differ, Penelope seemed to go from father’s control, to husbands control
after marriage. Stanford writes, “Icarius promised his beautiful daughter to the man who could
beat him in a footrace,” The only man able was Odysseus who in turn took Penelope as his bride.
Although Icarius, Penelope’s father, wanted the couple to stay near him, Penelope made the
decision to follow Odysseus to Ithaca. Stanford says the Greeks came to enlist his support in the
Trojan War soon after Telemachus, their new son, was born. Greek Mythology Index adds that
Telemachus was only an infant at the time when Odysseus went with the Greeks to Troy.
Penelope was loyal to her father till she married Odysseus, where she continues to be loyal to the
new man in her life; Odysseus.
How does Penelope represent the ideal wife?
Although there is a dispute over whether Penelope continued to be loyal to Odysseus,
many stories state she remained faithful, even after Odysseus would be absent for long periods of
time. Stanford even states, “Even today she is often thought of as a symbol of virtue.” She
continued loyal even after Standford states, “... although Odysseus is “disgracefully absent.”
Even after the suitors got more and more badly behaved and began to take over control of the
palace according to Stanford Penelope remained faithful. Myth Index shares, “During the long
absence of Odysseus, she was beleaguered by numerous and importunate suitors..” While other
women at the time might have left their husband for a suitor because he was not exhibiting the
ideal husband, Penelope continued her loyalty and this is why she displays an ideal wife of the
time .
How did Penelope avoid choosing a husband?
In Penelope’s plan to avoid choosing a husband she remained loyal and clever. First, she
announced that she was weaving a shroud. Stanford writes, “...a shroud for Laertes, her father-inlaw.” Instead of weaving in a timely manner, Myth Index writes, “During the daytime she
accordingly worked at the shroud, and in the night she undid the work of that day.” Although
Diane Goettel writes, “It is possible that Penelope considered marrying one of the suitors, amd
even enjoyed their advances at times.” She insists that Odysseus will return and she succeeded in
putting off the suitors. She remained Odysseus’ wife by using a clever diversion off giving the
suitors their answer.
How was Penelope betrayed by her servants?
Although sources differ, Penelope’s servants revealed her mischevious plan. The Editors
of Encyclopedia Britannica include, “Every night for three years, until one of her maids reveals
the secret, she unravels the piece that she has woven by day..” Although her maid revealed her
trickery and betrayed Penelope’s trust Diane Goettel and Bronwyn Harris write, “When it is time
for the challenges to take place, however, Odysseus has returned.” The maids unfaithfulness
could have cost Penelope her marriage, Odysseus’ returned in time. This showed disloyalty
because they revealed her secret and almost caused her to choose a suitor.
Hana Emerson
Period 3
26 March, 2013
Works Cited
The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “Penelope (Greek Mythology)”. Encyclopedia
Britannica Online. 26 March 2014.
<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/449763/Penelope>
Goettel, Diane, and Bronwyn Harris. Wise Geek. 02 March, 2014. 26 March, 2014.
<http://www.wisegeek.com/in-greek-mythology-who-was-penelope.htm>
“PENELOPE”. Greek Mythology Index. 26 March 2014.
<http://www.mythindex.com/greek-mythology/P/Penelope.html>
“Penelope”. Penelope. 25 March, 2014. <http://www.stanford.edu/~plomio/penelope.html>
“The Psychology of Penelope”. The Psychology of Penelope. 26 March, 2014.
<http://www1.union.edu/wareht/gkcultur/guide/1/>