Analyzes how masculinities and femininities are portrayed in the Odyssey. How did male characters think and speak about female characters (human...

The Odyssey is characterized by a strict gender division between
men and women, which is underscored by women being confined to the household sphere, while men
are sent out into the world as warriors and explorers.

Strength and the
ability to fight are integral to a man's sense of identity in this epic. Odysseus is praised
repeatedly for his strength and courage; he often recounts his exploits in the Trojan war, and
he exhibits his masculinity through raids and the besting of others in battle.

Women, on the other hand, are judged by their faithfulness to their husbands. Penelope
represents the feminine ideal in the Greek world, as she is unwaveringly loyal to her spouse and
stretches herself to the utmost to avoid remarrying.

Being hardworking and a
good household manager are also essential attributes of a good woman, as the wealth of a
household was all-important to maintaining social status. Penelope shines in this regard as
well. Her willingness to weave and pull apart her weaving on a...