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How do Penelope’s actions help develop the theme of loyalty in the Odyssey?

She allows the suitors to take control of her home.

She does not marry one of the suitors.

She weaves a burial shroud for her father in law, Laertes.

She organizes an archery contest.

2 Answers

6 votes
Penelopes actions develop themes of loyalty cuz she aint willin to mingle with them suitors
User Pradeep Banavara
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She does not marry one of the suitors.

Even though Odysseus has been gone for all of his son's childhood and many have declared him dead, Penelope stays loyal to him and refuses to marry one of the suitors.

She does allow the suitors into her home as part of their social culture. She delays the suitors advances with various excuses. She says she will not choose one until she has weaving the burial shroud, but she unravels the shroud at night to make it take longer. She also puts the suitors to a test. When they learn of this, they demand she choose one immediately. She tells them she will marry whoever can shoot an arrow through the ax handles. Odysseus returns home in disguise and succeeds in shooting the arrow before revealing his true identity.
User Alex Balcanquall
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