Question

Penelope explains why she had to test Odysseus. What is her explanation?

a) To confirm his love for her
b) To ensure he was not a spy
c) To protect herself from betrayal
d) To safeguard her son's inheritance

Answer 1

Penelope tested Odysseus to protect herself from betrayal, ensuring the man claiming to be her husband was truly Odysseus by questioning him about the intricacies of their bed, which only the real Odysseus would know.

Step-by-step explanation:

Penelope explains that she had to test Odysseus to protect herself from betrayal. After twenty years of Odysseus's absence, Penelope could not be certain of the stranger's identity claiming to be Odysseus. Her test involved tricking Odysseus about their bed, which only the true Odysseus would know that he had built around a living olive tree and could not be moved. Her precaution was justified as a means to ensure that the man before her was indeed her long-lost husband and not an imposter seeking to take advantage of her situation. This action was deeply rooted in the themes of loyalty and identity in the Odyssey, highlighting Penelope's wisdom and her role in protecting her household.