Similarities Between The Odyssey And O Brother Where Art Thou

The fictional queen of Ithaca and and a woman in 1930’s Mississippi having anything in common might seem like a stretch but in fact, they are more similar than they seem at first glance. Penelope of The Odyssey and Penny of O Brother, Where Art Thou have much in common along with characteristics that set them apart from each other. Penelope is presented as loyal, distraught. Penny is presented as unapologetic and a more independent, strong woman when being compared to Penelope. The two women are similar in that they are both cunning and cautious. Many of these changes are made in order to allow the character to blend into the time period and, in the case of Penny, to create a stronger, more realistic female character.

Penelope remains loyal
Penny never once apologized to Everett, her convict ex-husband, for telling her children that he was hit by a train or for being set to marry another man. She states it matter of factly even disowned him when he shows up at the shop by saying “not my husband... a drifter I guess.” Penelope contrasts Penny when she is shown to be subservient to Telemachus when he tells her to essentially shut up and go to her room if the song is bothering her because the suitors and him are enjoying themselves. Penelope does not question him when he adds that he holds the power in this household and retreats to her quarters. Penny on the other hand never answers to anyone throughout the entirety of the movie. Penny does what she wants, when she wants. Penny is more strong willed and independent because she is marrying another man out of her own will. She never answers to anyone throughout the movie and does what is best for her and her children. Penny goes on to get engaged to someone she knows will be able to provide for her and her daughters. This is further shown when Penny mentions that her new fiance is able to afford clarinet lessons for her six daughters. She wants her children to be taken care of and is not willing to sit around and wait for Everett, unlike Penelope. In modern ages Penny’s betrothal could be seen as the opposite of independent because of the opportunities presented to women. Women no longer need to rely on a man for money but in 1930’s Mississippi women were unable to provide for themselves because of society’s views on women working. This is key also a key reason for the differences between Penny and Penelope. It is not realistic for Penny to remain stagnant during Everett’s sentence because she would need to provide for her children and the only safe way to do so would be to marry where Penelope and Telemachus would always have enough clothing and abundant