The Odyssey

At several times during the course of The Odyssey, Penelope is exalted as a paragon of constancy and love in contrast to the wife of Agamemnon, Clytemnestra. Penelope, for twenty years, balances between hope and despair, hoping beyond hope that Odysseus is coming home but almost believing those who says that her husband is lost forever and that she should move on with her life. Compounding on her husband’s uncertain fate, she is courted for ten years by the most eligible men of Ithaca and the surrounding areas, all favorable in their own rights. Yet, she defers the time of her choosing by any means she can, still clinging to the belief that Odysseus will return to her side. During Agamemnon’s absence, Clytemnestra, trying at first to remain faithful to her distant husband, surrendered at last to another man’s seduction and then helps him murder her husband. Later, when the spirits of Penelope’s suitors come to the House of the Dead, Agamemnon hears how strong Penelope remained despite sore temptation and subsequently praises her.

The fame of her great virtues will never die. / The immortal gods will lift a song for all mankind, / a glorious song in praise of self-possessed Penelope. / A far cry from the daughter of Tyndareus, Clytemnestra – / what outrage she committed, killing the man she married once! – / yes, and the song men sing of her will ring with loathing. (24.16-221)

To me, I saw in these two women two responses to long hardship. On the one hand, there is Clytemnestra who, though purposing to be strong at first, finally succumbs to what is easier and most pleasurable at the moment. On the other hand, Penelope remains steadfast in her love despite adversity and refuses to submit to less than her husband. The end results of these two paths become evident in the lives of the women. Clytemnestra ends up helping murder her husband for the sake of her lover, who is then murdered to avenge Agamemnon’s death, leaving her with nothing but remorse. Penelope, though, is rewarded with the return of her husband and love that has been strengthened through time’s fires.