Question

Compare the presentation of Penelope in Millay's poem with Homer's portrait of her in the Odyssey. Which of the following is an important difference between the two?

A. In “An Ancient Gesture,” Penelope is not faithful to Odysseus.

B. In Millay's poem, the speaker alludes to Penelope, but Penelope does not actually appear.

C. The tone in Millay's poem is more upbeat than Homer's tone in the Odyssey.

D. In “An Ancient Gesture,” Odysseus ignores Penelope's wishes.

Answer 1

"The Odyssey" is Homer's epic poem. Penelope is the wife of Odysseus and the mother of Telemachus. She is described as being very clever and beautiful.

"An Ancient Gesture" is a poem written by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

The correct answer is option B: In Millay's poem, the speaker alludes to Penelope, but Penelope does not actually appear. The allusion to the story of Penelope is filtered through the perspective of the speaker.

Answer 2

The statement that is the important difference between the two is that in Millay's poem, the speaker alludes to Penelope, but Penelope does not actually appear. The correct answer is B.