The Odyssey

After years of battling the gods, Odysseus returns home to avenge himself against the suitors who have coveted his wife in his absence. Though disguised as a beggar in rags, OdysseusÆ son, Telemachus, knows the beggar is his father. When her nurse informs Penelope that her husband has returned, Penelope initially refuses to believe her. While Penelope begins to wonder if it is her husband, she still wonders who this man has become that has been away from her so long, ôOne moment he seemedàOdysseus, to the life-- / the next, no, he was not the man she knew, / A huddled mass of rags was all she sawö (Homer, p. 548).

Penelope is chastised by her nurse for her lack of faith. Telemachus berates her for her cold heart, because she remains aloof from her husband, ôWhat other wife could have a spirit so unbending? / Holding back from her husband, home at last for her / After bearing twenty years of

. . .
Some common words found in the essay are:
Penelope Odysseus, Odysseus Penelope, HomerÆs Odyssey, Penelope Eurycleia, Suddenly Odysseus, marriage bed, Dame Press, Odyssey Introduction, inviolate nature marriage, Bited Homer, meant demonstrate, marriage pact, inviolate nature, bed /, nature marriage, secret sign, bed penelope, move bed, penelope odysseus, penelope remained faithful, nurse informs penelope, deep-rooted lessons meant, marriage bed penelope,
Approximate Word count = 1026
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page)

More Essays on The Odyssey