When Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, approaches Penelope for the first time, Melantho insults him and tries to send him away. Penelope stands up to her, saying it is not right for her to send him off and be so cruel. Penelope has always been reserved and kind, and this is the first time she has lashed out at someone. Why do you think Penelope acts so offended by Melantho’s remark? Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus are always hospitable and kind, but Penelope shows special interest for this man. Why is this? Is is just because she wants to hear about her husband, or because she sees the striking resemblance between the beggar and Odysseus?
I think Penelope acted with offense by Melantho's remark towards the beggar because she was lonely. Penelope's husband has been gone for so long and so has her son, so she has been suffering alone at home. She misses the company of her family and although she has the suitors and Eurnome she isn't exactly satisfied. Now that someone has come all this way to talk to her there must be some importance, so clearly she is offended and upset with Melantho tries to send him away. However, I do think Penelope of course wants to hear more about her long lost husband, but also I think deep inside she probably does see some sort of resemblance between the beggar and her husband. I'm sure the stories the beggar told her have allowed her to rekindle memories of her husband. Even though she doesn't think he will return home it was important for her to hear everything that was going on and just to have someone to talk to her.
ReplyDeleteIt is understandable that Penelope lashed out at Melantho, he has been at her house for years taking her stuff and her food, giving nothing in return. He is rude and does not deserve all of the handouts that he is takes. With all this said, there is a beggar in the house, who actually needs extra food an clothes, and Melantho is completely inconsiderate. This is why Penelope was infuriated by the suitor and lashed out.
ReplyDeleteI think that Penelope wants to talk to the beggar(Odysseys) for a couple of reasons; because he is nice, has news of her husband, and she probably does see a connections between the beggar and Odysseus.
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ReplyDeleteI think that Penelope acted in this way because she has had enough. She has been bossed around for several years and she is finally standing up for herself. Penelope has had such a rough life, and this anger has been building up inside of her. I noticed while Penelope was talking to the beggar that it seemed like they had known each other for a very long time. I think that Penelope recognizes some of Odysseus' characteristics. Penelope doubts herself, and she knows that it is impossible that this man could be Odysseus, but I think she senses something different about him.
ReplyDeleteThe stories he tells her bring tears to her eyes and bring back memories of when she and Odysseus were together. This is a true sign to me that she is noticing some of these similarities. Also, I think having someone to tell Penelope about Odysseus is a great benefit for her. The fact that this story in particular made her weep shows that she is missing him more and more each day and is beginning to have question of her own.
I keep seeing similarities between The House of Odyssues. They all share similar qualities, the profound sense of caring about others before themselves, lashing out in small, yet volatile bursts, not to mention a sincere loathing for all of the suitors. I think Penelope heard what Odysseus (beggar) did and found similar qualities between his actions and the actions of her husband. Also, if he insulted the suitors they both mutually hate with a burning passion, I think she would want to meet him too. In terms of their conversation, it really showed who Penelope was underneath and the subliminal dedication and loyalty she truly does have for Odyssues. To be near your wife, the person you miss the most but not being able to reveal yourself must be terrible, he might as well be back on Ogygia.
ReplyDeletePenelope acts offended by Melantho's remark because she wants to hear this the beggar's story. She wants to be the queen who is known to be hospitable, not the one who stands by and watches her guests get teased and abused. Penelope shows a special interest for the beggar because he told her about Odysseus. Odysseus is her husband, and she has not heard from him for years. Most people would want to listen to the story of someone who met their long-lost husband. The beggar even informs her that when he met Odysseus, he was wearing clothes and a pin that Penelope gave him before he left for Troy. This gives Penelope hope. Although she clearly shows that she does not think that Odysseus will ever return to Ithaca, there must be some small dream of hers about her husband's return. She has dreams that symbolize the possible return of Odysseus. Penelope does not treat Odysseus so specially because he resembles her husband, she treats him well because still thinks that her husband has a chance of coming home, even if she does not show it.
ReplyDeletePenelope snapped back at Melantho's remark for multiple reasons. In one case, Penelope was being simply kind and hospitable, which are norm in those time periods. also, Odysseus as a beggar, has somewhat entertained the guests, so it would be both cruel and rude, to send him away. finally, penelope wants to hear any news about odysseus and hear the beggar's story, which is why she shows a special interest in this man, not because of a resemblance.
ReplyDeleteI think that Penelope acts so offended by Melantho's remark because even though she does not know it is Odysseus, she fell in love with Odysseus' traits and personality and probably recognizes some of those same things within the "beggar." She also is about to maybe hear more things about Odysseus and where he is right now, and she definitely does not want Melantho to send away the only man that can tell her anything about her long-lost husband. Although at first she probably only wanted to talk to the beggar to find out about Odysseus, as he tells her more about himself and the things he believes in, she starts to respect him more and probably starts to see more of Odysseus in him. When he says he can sleep on the floor instead of a bed, she compliments him on his manners and probably recognized some of Odysseus' modest traits.
ReplyDeleteI don't quote know why Penelope was so nice to Odysseus when he is disguised as the beggar at the palace. Maybe Athena has had some intervention in order to make her subconsciously be incredibly hospitable and take this man into her home. I also think that she may have been so hospitable and snapped at Melantho because she is so desperate to hear any news about her long lost husband. She is trying to say that anybody that is a friend of Odysseus is a friend of mine. She may also have snapped at Melantho just because she wants to be able to show him that she is indeed the person that is in charge of this house and although she may have all of these suitors in her home she is still in charge. Odysseus's plan is falling into place but he must act quickly in order to make sure that Penelope does not choose a husband before he has a chance to kill them.
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