Though contemporary stories enchant people today and grip their attention, it must also be remembered that stories written several years ago still have the same captivating effect. It must be asserted that stories that were written hundreds of years ago and brought down to contemporary man still have the impact that they did at the time they might have become known. This is true to say because of the fact that these were the tales that kept people’s attention. Indeed, it must also be asserted that these stories were ones that had political slants to them. Not only did they demonstrate this character, but they also had a way of holding the attention of the people because particular characters who were might in their own right. However, it is because of the political effect in them that such stories were even more successful, as the heroic figures became well-known for their heroism or unusual actions. Odysseus is one such character who is remembered for his heroism, and not far behind him is his wife, Penelope, who is also recognized as a vital character in ‘The Odyssey’.

In the Odyssey, there are several themes that one comes across, and these are directly related to both Penelope and Odysseus. However, each character has a different character when one observes them in light of a particular theme. As far as the theme of death is concerned, one might say that both Odysseus and Penelope seem to be unafraid though ‘death’ can be seen as the ultimate punishment. In this regard, Penelope can be observed as a strong figure. Though she is not like Odysseus in his warring nature, she is apparently a strong woman in the sense that she is not the type to give in to those that pressurize her.

When Odysseus does not return from battle and there is no news of him surviving, suitors try to pressurize Penelope into giving in to their request to come to a decision. However, Penelope is reluctant to take any decision that would mean her losing her independence. She perhaps realizes that she is independent without any other man having command over her. Though in these times, it was absolutely acceptable for a man to lead or guide a woman; women in these times were not allowed to be left without the protection of a man. Either there would have to be a father or a husband to see to her protection. Telemachus in this regard is keen to make sure that Penelope is not left alone. However, being the strong woman that she is, Penelope does not wish to go back to being under her father’s nor does she want to give up her independence by marrying any of the suitors.

The situation facing Penelope at this point was a tricky one because these suitors were to wait at her place until she came to a decision. This meant that they were virtually living of them as long as they were there. Penelope did not seem to be bothered much by this because she was adamant on keeping herself busy; her idea of delaying her taking a decision was seemingly to give Odysseus enough time to return home. She told everyone concerned that she was weaving a funeral pall for her father-in-law. This is apparently where the cru of her nature is revealed. The suitors and basically everyone else had waited for days on end for her to finish with the weaving which never did seem to get over. However, it was finally revealed that Penelope would undo all her weaving each night that she did during the day. When this was discovered and the fact leaked out, most people around began to learn about her crafty nature. This is where her desire to be independent was also discovered because it was clear enough that she did not want any other man in her life and only would have welcomed Odysseus back. Perhaps she realized the control over her own life that she had while she was married to him. Losing him and marrying another would mean a loss of independence, which is something she would have hated. With Odysseus, it is clear that Penelope was not dependent in a typical manner because of the control she enjoyed when she was around him. Penelope’s character is further exposed in the absence of Odysseus, because of her apparent chastity. Though many would refer to her means of postponing her decision as crafty, it is also worth considering that perhaps she was really in love with him and wanted to give him as much time as possible to return home.

In addition to Penelope’s character being exposed in this way, there is also a tremendous amount of pain and loss experienced. In the case of Odysseus, this is demonstrated in the way that his palace was over-run while he was away. Indeed, he was wayward, and took time out after the battle at Troy, leaving his people exposed to atrocities. Even his wife (Penelope) was not spared, as the palace was invaded and all the stores were taken away. Hence, ‘pain’, ‘suffering’, ‘anguish’, ‘death’, etc. can be experienced in the life of Penelope too, making her a strong figurer. Since he was in a way a political figure, this meant that his wife would suffer directly in his absence.

Having asserted the manner in which Odysseus can be considered to be a political figure in his time, it must also be realized that this assertion is reinforced by the fact that he also led his people like a political leader. Perhaps, this could be considered as another reason for Penelope wanting to postpone her decision about accepting another suitor in his absence. It is doubtful that Penelope would get another husband like Odysseus.

Odysseus was one of the heroes of the Trojan War, who devised a plan that decided the plight of Troy. He was a mastermind behind the collapse of Troy, exhibiting leadership qualities such as bravery, skill and timing. Being recognized with such warring strategy, perhaps attracted Penelope more, and made her proud to be his wife. However, finally, it may be asserted that Penelope was a good match for Odysseus, and this is because of the fact that she was a tactful individual as well, which is why she managed to postpone he decision to accept another husband..