One role of women in ancient Greek culture as portrayed in The Odyssey is subservient to men. For example, Calypso keeps Odysseus on her island. However, Zeus tells her to let him go, as Hermes declares, “Now Zeus commands you to send him off with all good speed” (5: 156. 125). She responds by protesting that Zeus keeps all the mortal women he wants. However, Calypso listens to Zeus and releases Odysseus. Calypso clearly wants Odysseus to stay, yet she still lets him go, on the orders of Zeus. Even though she is correct in saying the gods are unfair, Calypso must obey Zeus because he is a god. Earlier in the story, we hear Telemachus arguing with the suitors. He tells them he will find news of Odysseus. He also proclaims, “[I will] give my mother to another husband” after he has found news of his father (2: 100. 248). The phrasing, “give my mother,” implies that it is Telemachus’s choice not Penelope’s choice who and when she will marry. Despite the fact Penelope is older; she has to listen to Telemachus, since he is the man of the house. Later in the story, Telemachus again asserts his authority in the hall by saying, “go back to your quarters. Tend to your own tasks, /the distaff and the loom, and keep the women/working hard as well” (21: 435. 390-392) Not only does it show Telemachus’s power; it also shows the job of a woman, which is to spin in their free time. In addition, while the men are feasting and enjoying themselves, the women have to keep working. The women have…