PENELOPE.
In the Odyssey, there are several powerful female characters. One of the most dynamic is Penelope, Odysseus' wife. She has waited many years to see Odysseus again and still remains composed and wise upon being reunited. Homer created Penelope to be a strong character in respect of women. For example, when the maid comes in to tell Penelope the news of her husband's homecoming, she is wise enough to question the validity of this versus being overzealous as most female characters would, but all at the same time she still shows her love for Odysseus.
QUOTES.
"They've unhinged you, and you were once so sane. Why do you mock me? - haven't I wept enough? - telling such wild stories, interrupting my sleep, sweet sleep that held me, sealed my eyes just now. Not once have I slept soundly since the day Odysseus sailed away to see that cursed city . . . Destroy, I call it - I hate to say its name! Now down you go" (Book 23, 15-22)
"Penelope's heart burst in joy, she leapt from bed, her eyes streaming tears, she hugged the old nurse and cried out with an eager, winging word, "Please dear one, give me the whole story. If he's really home again, just as you tell me, how did he get those shameless suitors in his clutches?" (Book 23, 34-39)
