In what ways are Penelope's struggles similar to and different from those of Odysseus?

This is based from the "Odyssey" by Homer. Penelope is the wife of Odysseus. In a way, their struggles are similar because both of them showed faith and patience. Even though there was a time that Odysseus was away from Penelope, he remained faithful to his wife, and Penelope remained faithful as well and waited until Odysseus came back.

Answer Link

holesstanham holesstanham · Answer 2 · 2019-02-10T01:28:10+01:00

Penelope loves Odysseus, and Odysseus love Penelope, and The Odyssey therefore presents their stories as constantly interconnected.

While Odysseus battles and his journey are successful due to his intellect, Penelope similarly uses her intelligence to avoid being remarried, even if she does so in a less conspicuous way. For example, she promises not to remarry until she has finished her burial shroud, which she knows will never be finished. Moreover, she organizes the arch and bow contest knowing only her husband could win it.

Moreover, both Odysseus and Penelope never doubt their love and the inevitability of their eventual reunion. Penelope never remarries, and always waits for him. Odysseus, while meeting women during his journey, never doubts his desire to return to Penelope.