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Penelope As A Moral Agent In Homer's Odyssey

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Penelope As A Moral Agent In Homer's Odyssey
Eliana Nunez, CL 101 ‘Homer’s The Odyssey: ‘ 2-16-15 WC #1=469 WC#2= 6 WC #3=11 In Homer’s Odyssey, in what fundamental way IS, or IS not, Penelope a determining moral agent in her own destiny? I shall argue that Penelope IS a determining moral agent in her destiny by fulfilling her promise to wait for her husband, giving all suitors a chance to marry her, and allowing Odysseus to prove himself to her. A moral agent IS a person capable of acting with reference to right and wrong. For 20 years, Penelope remained faithful to her husband in hopes of keeping her family together. She attempted to win Odysseus some time by weaving and unweaving Laertes’ shroud (2.112-4). However, her suitors caught on to her trick, which forced her to make …show more content…
612-13). The suitors take advantage of Odysseus’ absence and plot to kill Penelope’s son. Despite the threat they pose to her family, Penelope decides to challenge the suitors to a bow and arch contest that will determine who she marries (19.669-70). By challenging the suitors to shoot the bow her husband did, she gives them a fair chance to prove themselves worthy of taking her husband’s place (19.664-67). Penelope eliminates the competition of money, prestige, and charm. In addition, Penelope’s judgment remains unclouded by preference for specific suitors (1. 296). She did not maintain a relationship with any of them and thus would not know of any special talents that could aid them in winning the contest. After Odysseus slays all of the suitors, he begs Penelope to recognize him as her husband (23.187-92). Unfortunately, Penelope has hardened her heart in order to protect herself from falling for a trick (23.242-45). In order to believe that Odysseus has returned, she must test the beggar (Odysseus) with knowledge only she and her husband WERE privy to (23. 253-54). Fortunately for Penelope, her morality earned her the united family she longed

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