Penelope’s Perplexing Persona Things are not always as they seem at first glance, particularly in the realm of behavior. What appears to be the obvious reason for a course of action, may not be the actual driving force behind it. This is the case in Homer’s The Odyssey, in which Penelope has multiple motivations for her conduct. She is a multifaceted character who both faithfully supports Odysseus and simultaneously encourages the suitors for …showed first 75 words of 1329 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1329 total…-98) Penelope finds pleasure in the game of seduction. Penelope is a complicated woman with complicated motives. Viewing her as purely a loyal wife is a traditional Homeric interpretation of her behavior. Viewing her as a woman who is emotionally attached to enticing the suitors is a more realistic way of looking at her. Homer’s portrait of Penelope depicts a woman whose head and heart are operating on different planes, creating a puzzling persona.