Throughout the Odyssey, we are introduced to many different characters, most of which are not given a background explanation of who they are. Penelope, although we learn much about her, is more or less only perceived as the wife of Odysseus, and much less as her own person. The Penelopiad written by Margaret Atwood, however, brings into daylight the full story of who Penelope is, and it shows deeper thought into why she acts as she does. I believe that this novel is important because it helps the reader understand that each of these characters has a whole life revolving around themselves. It also brings a feminist view to The Odyssey which is seen as a very objectified text. Instead of only being seen as a “perfect” housewife in the Odyssey, you learn more about her human side which is not meant to be perfect. Being a wife in Greece was a hardship, and Atwood did a great job in making that understood. 

The Odyssey fails to represent a lot of the struggles that Penelope has to endure while waiting for Odysseus to come back home. Although it is very clear that the struggle is there, Homer never fully addresses it. There is mention of Penelope’s pain but only in the context of fighting off the suitors or in the longing for Odysseus to come back home. In the Penelopiad, Atwood gives perspective on how being a woman at all during that time period was difficult. The point of view in the text is from only women, who being Penelope and 12 slave girls. Another aspect of ancient Greek culture that Atwood represents is the battle of women in society. The Odyssey does not comment on how women are based on what they can give into a relationship. The reason that so many suitors are after Penelope is because of her wealth. This is just one of the many overlooked themes throughout the Odyssey that the Penelopiad brings to light. 

The Penelopiad gives a whole new perspective to Penelope. Now with this new perspective, Penelope seems like a whole character of her own rather than Odysseus’s wife. Outside media sources give a broad perspective on the Odyssey as a whole. Instead of being trapped in a cycle of Odysseus being the center of the entire book, we can see the broader sides of things in the book. Even though the text is revolved around Odysseus, different sources give glimpses on who other characters are and why they act the way they do. There are many instances in which we as the reader lose the viewpoint of everyone else. The Penelopiad did a great job at expressing the gender discrimination that is all throughout the Odyssey. Addressing it, though, helps us as the reader notices it and helps us understand why.