The Representation of Women in Homer's OdysseyIn the first section of the Odyssey, mortal women are presented to us as controlled by stereotypes and expectations of the culture of the time, and it is only in this context that we can consider the examples given by Homer of women to admire or despise. It offers us clear contrasts, between Penelope and Euryclea on one side, and Helen and Clytemnaestra on the other. In Penelope's case, it is clear that her freedom of action is strictly controlled. Antinous feels free to inform Telemachus that, as Odysseus is presumed dead, Helen is expected to choose another husband, or that her father should do so for her. Telemachus does not challenge the logic of this situation, just attacks the behavior of the suitors and wonders if Odysseus is dead. Thus Penelope is reduced to using the passive and “feminine” defenses of making the suitors wait for a decision, and to resorting to the subterfuge of weaving and unweaving her loom daily. We also see Penelope being “put in her place” by Telemachus when she comes to...