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The Penelopiad: A Feminist Retelling of Homer's Odyssey by Margaret Atwood

Virginia Woolf

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Published in The Penelopiad (Faber Drama) Margaret Atwood

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The Penelopiad (Faber Drama)

by Margaret Atwood

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2091 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	118 pages

Margaret Atwood's 2005 novel, The Penelopiad, is a feminist retelling of Homer's epic poem the Odyssey. The novel tells the story of Penelope, Odysseus's wife, from her own perspective. Atwood's retelling gives voice to a character who is often marginalized and objectified in the original text, and it explores themes of female agency, power, and sexuality in a patriarchal society.

The novel is narrated by Penelope herself, who speaks to the reader from the afterlife. Penelope tells her story in a series of monologues that are interrupted by a chorus of twelve maids who were hanged by Odysseus when he returned home from his travels. The maids' songs provide a commentary on Penelope's story, and they offer a different perspective on the events of the Odyssey.

One of the most striking things about The Penelopiad is Atwood's use of language. The novel is written in a clear and concise style, but it is also full of rich imagery and symbolism. Atwood's language is both beautiful and powerful, and it helps to bring Penelope's story to life.

Another important aspect of The Penelopiad is its exploration of female agency. Penelope is often seen as a passive character in the Odyssey, but Atwood's retelling shows her to be a strong and resourceful woman. Penelope is able to outwit her suitors and keep her household running smoothly while Odysseus is away. She is also a skilled weaver, and her tapestry of the Trojan War is a symbol of her creativity and resilience.

The novel also explores the theme of power. Penelope is a queen, but she is also subject to the will of her husband and the other men in her life. Atwood shows how Penelope is able to use her intelligence and cunning to gain some measure of power for herself, but she is ultimately limited by the patriarchal society in which she lives.

Finally, The Penelopiad is a story about sexuality. Penelope is a beautiful woman, and she is desired by many men. However, she is also a faithful wife, and she resists the advances of her suitors. Atwood's novel explores the complex relationship between sex and power, and it shows how women are often objectified and sexualized in a patriarchal society.

The Penelopiad is a powerful and moving novel that offers a new perspective on the Odyssey. Atwood's retelling is a feminist masterpiece that gives voice to a character who has been silenced for centuries. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, feminism, or Greek mythology.

The Penelopiad (Faber Drama)

by Margaret Atwood

4.2 out of 5