The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood: Summary, Characters & Themes

Name: The Penelopiad
ISBN: 9781841957173

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

Penelope, Odysseus's wife, tells her life story from the Underworld, offering her version of events that challenge Homer's epic. She describes her childhood, her arranged marriage to Odysseus, and the two decades she spent managing Ithaca and fending off over a hundred suitors while her husband was away. Penelope reflects on her cleverness, her loneliness, and the constant scrutiny she faced. Interspersed with Penelope's narrative are choruses from her twelve hanged maids, who share their bitter and sarcastic perspective on their lives, their exploitation, and their brutal deaths at Odysseus's hands. The maids accuse Penelope of complicity or negligence in their fate, while Penelope tries to justify her actions and maintain her image as the faithful wife. The novel explores reputation, gender, class, and justice, questioning accepted historical narratives and the roles women are forced to play.

Difficulty: Medium
Pacing: Moderate
Mood: Witty, Reflective, Haunting, Feminist, Ironic
Read it if: You enjoy feminist retellings of classic myths, character-driven narratives with a touch of dark humor, and stories that challenge traditional perspectives.
Skip it if: You prefer straightforward, traditional retellings of myths or dislike unreliable narrators and fragmented storytelling.

The Penelopiad Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

The Afterlife and the Maids' Lament
Penelope, speaking from Hades, begins her story, reflecting on her life and the skewed perception of her faithfulness. She immediately states her desire to tell her 'true' story, contrasting it with the heroic epic by men like Homer. She introduces the chorus of her twelve hanged maids, who often interrupt her narrative with their laments, songs, and criticisms, reminding the audience and Penelope of their tragic fate. Their ghostly presence is a constant reminder of the injustice they suffered and the unresolved questions about their deaths. Penelope acknowledges their suffering but maintains her own version of events, hinting at the complexities and hidden motives that led to their demise.
Childhood and Betrothal
Penelope describes her childhood, marked by an unsettling incident where her father, Icarius, threw her into the sea. She was rescued by ducks, which she later interprets as an omen of her resilience. Her mother, Periboea, is portrayed as largely ineffective. Penelope is considered a 'prize' in a race for her hand in marriage, which Odysseus wins through clever manipulation. Their marriage is presented as a strategic alliance, with Odysseus's reputation for cunning already established. Penelope feels a sense of duty and pragmatic affection for him, rather than passionate love, and she quickly learns to navigate his complex nature and the demands of their household.
The Abduction of Helen and the Trojan War
The narrative shifts to the events leading up to the Trojan War. Helen, Penelope's beautiful and famously promiscuous cousin, is abducted by Paris, sparking the conflict. Odysseus tries to avoid joining the war by feigning madness, sowing salt in his fields. However, Palamedes exposes his deception by placing Telemachus, Odysseus and Penelope's infant son, in front of the plow. Forced to go, Odysseus entrusts Penelope with the management of Ithaca and the raising of Telemachus, warning her about the suitors who will inevitably appear. This departure begins Penelope's twenty-year ordeal.
The Suitors Arrive
With Odysseus gone, suitors begin to arrive, drawn by Penelope's status as a wealthy queen and the perceived power vacuum. They are portrayed as gluttonous, demanding, and disrespectful, consuming Ithaca's resources and harassing Penelope and her household. To fend them off, Penelope devises her famous weaving trick: she promises to choose a new husband once she finishes weaving a shroud for Laertes, Odysseus's father. Each night, however, she secretly unravels her day's work, prolonging the deception. This tactic shows her intelligence and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming pressure, but also her increasing isolation and vulnerability.
Telemachus's Growing Frustration
Telemachus grows into a young man under the constant shadow of the suitors' presence. He becomes increasingly frustrated by their drain on his family's wealth and their disrespect towards his mother and the household. He sees Penelope's weaving trick as ineffective, and he chafes under her authority, feeling powerless to rid their home of the unwanted guests. Their relationship becomes strained, with Telemachus accusing Penelope of being weak, and Penelope viewing him as naive. This generational conflict shows Penelope's difficult position, caught between protecting her son and maintaining the household.
The Maids' Perspective
Throughout Penelope's narrative, the chorus of maids interjects with their own songs and commentary, offering a different perspective. They describe their miserable lives as servants, forced to cater to the suitors' whims and often subjected to their abuse. They reveal how some of them were coerced into sleeping with the suitors, either out of fear, for small favors, or simply because they had no choice. They express resentment towards Penelope, believing she did not adequately protect them and that she used them as pawns. Their voices highlight the class divide and the vulnerability of women with no power or status in ancient society.
Odysseus's Return and the Recognition
After twenty years, Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca, disguised as a beggar, as foretold by the gods. He is recognized only by his old dog, Argos, and his loyal nurse, Eurycleia, who identifies him by a scar on his leg while washing his feet. Penelope, cautious and wary after years of deception, tests the disguised Odysseus with a series of questions, particularly about the details of his old bed, which only he would know. This scene, a moment in the original epic, is presented by Penelope as a calculated act of verification on her part, rather than a spontaneous recognition of her beloved husband.
The Slaughter of the Suitors
Odysseus, with the help of Telemachus and a few loyal swineherds and cowherds, orchestrates the brutal slaughter of all the suitors. The palace becomes a scene of carnage as Odysseus, having revealed his true identity, wields his bow and arrows against the unsuspecting men. The maids' chorus observes this event with a mixture of fear and grim satisfaction, noting the sheer violence and swiftness of the retribution. Penelope remains largely upstairs during the initial massacre, only descending once the fighting is over, maintaining a degree of detachment that the maids find suspicious. The sheer scale of the violence shows the dramatic shift in power.
The Hanging of the Maids
Immediately after the slaughter of the suitors, Odysseus commands Telemachus to hang the twelve maids who were seen consorting with the suitors. Telemachus carries out the order without hesitation, stringing them up like 'a row of thrushes.' The maids vehemently deny any true disloyalty, arguing they were forced or manipulated, and express their outrage at Penelope for not intervening. Penelope, in her narrative, offers a complex justification: she claims they were punished for fraternizing with the enemy, revealing secrets, and undermining her authority, but the maids insist their actions were a matter of survival, not treachery. This act is the central mystery Atwood explores.
Penelope's Justification and the Maids' Indictment
Penelope tries to justify her role, or lack thereof, in the maids' deaths. She argues that allowing them to be 'seduced' by the suitors was a necessary evil to gather intelligence and maintain control over the unruly household. She also suggests that some of the maids were genuinely disloyal and deserved their fate. The maids, however, reject her excuses. They accuse her of being self-serving, indifferent to their plight, and ultimately complicit in their murder. They argue that their low social status made them expendable, and that Penelope failed in her duty to protect them. Their ghostly chorus serves as a perpetual reminder of her perceived betrayal.
Life After Odysseus's Return
Penelope recounts her life with Odysseus after his return. While outwardly they resume their roles as king and queen, the undercurrent of their twenty-year separation and the trauma of the suitors' reign lingers. Odysseus continues his travels and adventures, and Penelope maintains the household. She acknowledges the persistent rumors about her infidelity and the maids' supposed treachery, highlighting how women's reputations are easily tarnished. Eventually, both Penelope and Odysseus die – Odysseus in a later adventure, and Penelope of old age. Even in the afterlife, Penelope remains preoccupied with setting the record straight and grappling with the judgment of others.
The Maids' Final Verdict and the Underworld
In the final sections, the chorus of maids delivers their verdict. They continue to haunt Penelope in the Underworld, performing a 'trial' where they accuse her of hypocrisy, selfishness, and complicity in their deaths. They symbolize the voices of the oppressed and the forgotten, challenging the grand narratives of heroes and queens. They also extend their indictment to the patriarchal system itself, which allowed such injustices to occur. Their persistent presence and unceasing lament ensure that Penelope can never truly escape the consequences of her actions, or inactions, and the questions surrounding their tragic fate. Their story acts as a counter-narrative to the dominant epic.

The Penelopiad Characters

Penelope

Protagonist

The queen of Ithaca, wife of Odysseus, who recounts her life from the afterlife.

Penelope is portrayed as intelligent, pragmatic, and resilient, but also self-preserving and perhaps complicit. She is deeply aware of the societal constraints placed upon women and constantly navigates the expectations of faithfulness and purity. She views herself as a clever manager of a difficult situation, using her wits to maintain order and protect her son and kingdom during Odysseus's long absence. Her main drive is survival and the preservation of her reputation, even if it means making morally ambiguous choices. She is haunted by the mystery of the maids' hanging and seeks to justify her actions.

Relationships: Odysseus (Husband; a source of both security and long-term abandonment, admired for his cunning but also feared for his ruthlessness.); Telemachus (Son; a source of both love and frustration, as he challenges her authority and perceived passivity.); The Maids (Servants; initially a source of support, later a source of guilt and accusation, representing her moral dilemma and complicity.); Helen (Cousin; a foil, whose beauty and promiscuity contrast with Penelope's perceived virtue, but also a source of shared female experience.); The Suitors (Adversaries; a constant threat to her reputation, resources, and safety, forcing her into a position of prolonged defense.)

The Twelve Maids (Chorus)

Chorus/Supporting/Antagonists (to Penelope's narrative)

The ghostly chorus of Penelope's hanged maids, who offer a counter-narrative to her story.

The twelve maids serve as a collective character, representing the voiceless, marginalized women of ancient society. They are young, vulnerable, and ultimately expendable, caught between the demands of the suitors and the authority of Penelope and Odysseus. Their individual personalities are subsumed into a unified voice of lament, anger, and accusation. Their primary drive is to expose the truth of their deaths and to hold Penelope and the patriarchal system accountable for their suffering. They are the conscience of the story, constantly challenging Penelope's self-serving narrative and highlighting the injustice they faced.

Relationships: Penelope (Mistress; a figure of resentment and betrayal, whom they accuse of complicity in their deaths.); Odysseus (Master; their executioner, representing the brutal patriarchal power structure.); The Suitors (Oppressors; men who exploited and abused them, leading to their perceived 'disloyalty'.)

Odysseus

Supporting/Antagonist (in the maids' eyes)

Penelope's cunning and ruthless husband, whose long absence and violent return define her life.

Odysseus is portrayed through Penelope's and the maids' subjective lenses. He is cunning, resourceful, and a master of disguise and deception, traits Penelope initially admires but also fears. His long absence forces Penelope into her difficult predicament, and his violent return brings both resolution and tragedy. He is depicted as a man of action, driven by glory, revenge, and the desire to restore his kingdom. From the maids' perspective, he is a brutal and unjust executioner, embodying the arbitrary power of men over women. His character highlights the patriarchal double standards and the harsh realities of ancient justice.

Relationships: Penelope (Wife; a partner in strategic alliance and shared duty, but also a figure he abandons and tests.); Telemachus (Son; a successor whom he trains in the ways of patriarchal power and violence.); The Maids (Victims; expendable figures whose deaths serve to 'cleanse' his household and assert his authority.)

Telemachus

Supporting

Penelope and Odysseus's son, who grows up frustrated by the suitors and later aids his father's revenge.

Telemachus is depicted as a young man struggling to assert his masculinity and authority in his father's absence. He is impatient, quick-tempered, and often disrespectful towards Penelope, viewing her as weak and indecisive. He resents the suitors' presence and the drain on his inheritance. When Odysseus returns, Telemachus eagerly embraces his father's violent methods, becoming complicit in the slaughter of the suitors and the hanging of the maids. He represents the next generation of patriarchal power, readily adopting the harsh justice and double standards of his society. His character highlights the perpetuation of violence and male dominance.

Relationships: Penelope (Mother; a figure of authority he resents and challenges, but also a source of care.); Odysseus (Father; a revered figure whose return he eagerly anticipates and whose violent actions he readily supports.); The Suitors (Adversaries; men who usurp his rightful place and consume his inheritance.)

Helen of Troy

Supporting/Mentioned

Penelope's beautiful cousin, whose abduction sparks the Trojan War.

Helen is portrayed as a figure of immense beauty and destructive power, but also as a victim of her own allure and the desires of men. Penelope sees her as a rival in beauty and a source of constant comparison, but also as a fellow woman navigating a world dominated by male desires. Helen's story serves as a contrast to Penelope's, highlighting the different fates of women based on their perceived virtue and beauty. She is a symbol of the superficiality and danger inherent in female beauty, and the way women are often blamed for conflicts initiated by men.

Relationships: Penelope (Cousin; a rival in beauty and reputation, but also a figure of shared female experience.); Men (generally) (Admirers and instigators; the cause of her abduction and the ensuing war.)

Eurycleia

Supporting

Odysseus's loyal old nurse, who recognizes him upon his return.

Eurycleia is a figure of unwavering loyalty and practical wisdom. As an old servant, she represents the enduring traditions and knowledge passed down through generations within the household. She is one of the few characters who immediately recognizes Odysseus, demonstrating her deep connection to the family. Her role is primarily to serve and to witness, embodying the silent strength of those who maintain the domestic sphere. She is a reliable, if minor, character who provides continuity and a link to the past, reminding the reader of the long history of the royal household.

Relationships: Odysseus (Master; an object of deep, lifelong loyalty and affection.); Penelope (Mistress; a figure she serves faithfully.)

Antinous

Mentioned/Antagonist

One of the most arrogant and leading suitors.

Antinous is the most prominent and aggressive of the suitors, embodying their greed, arrogance, and disrespect. He is depicted as a cruel and demanding figure, who openly abuses the servants and insults Telemachus and Penelope. His character serves to highlight the suitors' collective villainy and the dire threat they pose to Ithaca. His death is particularly graphic, emphasizing Odysseus's brutal retribution against those who desecrated his home. He is less a developed character and more a symbol of the chaos and moral decay that plagued Odysseus's absence.

Relationships: The Suitors (Leader; represents their collective arrogance.); Odysseus (Enemy; the first to be killed by Odysseus's arrow.)

Icarius

Mentioned

Penelope's father, who tried to drown her as a baby.

Icarius is Penelope's father, a minor character whose one significant act, throwing his infant daughter into the sea, profoundly impacts Penelope's psyche. His motivation is attributed to a prophecy, highlighting the influence of fate and superstition in their world. This act instills in Penelope a sense of being unwanted and a need for self-reliance. He represents a distant and sometimes cruel paternal authority, shaping Penelope's early understanding of vulnerability and survival.

Relationships: Penelope (Father; a source of early trauma and a distant figure.)

The Penelopiad Themes

The Power of Narrative and Revisionist History

Atwood's novel explores how history is written and by whom. Penelope, speaking from the afterlife, explicitly challenges Homer's epic, asserting her right to tell her 'true' story. The chorus of maids complicates this further, offering a more marginalized perspective, revealing the biases in official histories. The contrasting narratives highlight that truth is subjective and often shaped by power dynamics. This theme appears in Penelope's constant refutation of her 'faithful wife' image and the maids' insistence on their innocence, directly contradicting the established myth.

“Now that all the others have run out of air, it's my turn to do a little story-making. It's time for a fresh approach. To us, citizens of the underworld, the story of Penelope and Odysseus is not a romance but a tragedy.”
Penelope

Patriarchy and Female Agency

The novel examines the patriarchal structures of ancient Greece and their impact on women. Penelope, despite her royal status, is constrained by male expectations, forced to navigate a world where her worth is tied to her beauty, fertility, and faithfulness. Her 'agency' is often expressed through cunning and manipulation, such as the weaving trick, rather than overt power. The maids represent the extreme end of this oppression, being entirely subject to male whims and ultimately executed without due process. The story exposes the double standards, the objectification of women, and the violence in a male-dominated society, highlighting how women are often blamed for circumstances beyond their control.

“The stories were made up by men, to account for the way things were. They were for men, to comfort men, to instruct men, to delight men, to give men a good name.”
Penelope

Class and Social Hierarchy

The divide between Penelope and her maids is a central element, illustrating the rigid social hierarchy and the expendability of the lower classes. Penelope, while oppressed by patriarchy, also benefits from and participates in the system that subjugates her servants. The maids' chorus constantly reminds the reader of their precarious position, their lack of rights, and their forced complicity with the suitors. Their hanging is a brutal demonstration of how those at the bottom of the social ladder are sacrificed to maintain order and the reputation of those at the top. The novel critiques the idea that all women share the same experience under patriarchy, showing how class distinctions create different levels of vulnerability.

“We were dirty, we were cheap, we were expendable. We were the ones who got done in, by the ones who could afford to pay.”
The Maids

Justice and Retribution

The novel questions the nature of justice, particularly in the context of Odysseus's violent return. While the suitors' slaughter is presented as a heroic act of retribution in the original epic, Atwood's version forces a re-evaluation. The justice given to the maids is problematic, as their 'crimes' are ambiguous and their punishment disproportionate. The maids' continuous lament and their 'trial' of Penelope in the underworld suggest that true justice has not been served. The story challenges the idea of 'heroic' violence and prompts reflection on who defines justice and for whom.

“What was the point of all that heroism, if it was to end in such a sordid piece of butchery?”
The Maids

Memory and Guilt

Penelope's entire narrative is an act of memory and an attempt to reconcile with her past, particularly the hanging of the maids. Her defensiveness and constant re-framing of events suggest a deep-seated guilt or at least an awareness of moral ambiguity. The maids' relentless haunting of her in the afterlife serves as a perpetual reminder of her perceived complicity, preventing her from finding peace. This theme explores how past actions, especially those involving injustice, can continue to weigh on the conscience, even beyond death. It is a psychological exploration of the burden of memory and the search for absolution.

“The others have run out of air. It's my turn to do a little story-making.”
Penelope

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

First-Person Posthumous Narration

Penelope narrates her story from the Underworld after her death.

This device immediately establishes a unique perspective, allowing Penelope to reflect on her entire life with the benefit of hindsight and the freedom to challenge established narratives without fear of earthly repercussions. It empowers her to be a critical, self-aware, and sometimes defensive narrator, directly engaging with her own myth. This perspective also allows for the inclusion of the ghostly chorus of maids, as they all share the same afterlife plane, facilitating their interjections and counter-narratives without breaking the narrative's internal logic.

Chorus of Maids

The twelve hanged maids act as a Greek chorus, offering commentary, songs, and counter-arguments.

The chorus serves multiple functions: it acts as a collective conscience, a source of dramatic irony, and a direct challenge to Penelope's subjectivity. Their songs and chants break up Penelope's prose, adding poetic and emotional weight. More critically, they represent the marginalized and silenced voices, providing a stark counter-narrative to Penelope's and Homer's versions of events. They ensure that the reader is constantly reminded of the injustice and tragedy that befell them, preventing Penelope from fully controlling the narrative and highlighting the class and gender dynamics at play.

Intertextuality/Mythological Revisionism

The novel directly engages with and subverts Homer's 'The Odyssey.'

Atwood uses 'The Odyssey' as a foundational text, but intentionally re-interprets and challenges its events and characterizations. By giving voice to Penelope and the maids, she deconstructs the heroic narrative and exposes its patriarchal biases. This device invites readers familiar with the original myth to re-examine their understanding of the characters and plot, highlighting the constructed nature of myths and historical accounts. It's not merely a retelling, but an active critical engagement with the source material, questioning its 'truth' and offering alternative perspectives on well-known events like the weaving trick and the maids' hanging.

Anachronism

Modern language, concepts, and cultural references appear in the ancient setting.

Atwood sprinkles modern language, slang, and cultural references (e.g., 'chick flick,' legal proceedings, vaudeville acts) throughout the narrative. This device serves to bridge the gap between ancient and contemporary audiences, making the themes of patriarchy, justice, and narrative relevance accessible and relatable. It also creates a sense of playful irreverence, undermining the solemnity of the epic tradition and emphasizing the timelessness of the social issues explored. The anachronisms highlight that the problems faced by Penelope and the maids are not confined to the distant past but resonate in the present.

The Penelopiad Quotes

“Now that I'm dead, I know everything.”

Penelope's opening line, setting the tone for her narration from the afterlife.

“The stories were always about the men, as if the men were the only ones who had any adventures. As if the women were just there to keep the beds warm, and do the laundry.”

Penelope reflecting on the traditional telling of the Odysseus myth.

“We were the ones who were there, and we saw what happened. We were the ones who were hanged, and we know who did it.”

The Maids speaking in their chorus, asserting their perspective on their own deaths.

“What was I, after all? Only a wife. Only a woman. Only a thing.”

Penelope contemplating her perceived worth and status within her society.

“I was a good wife, I was a good mother, I was a good queen. I did my duty.”

Penelope listing her virtues and her adherence to societal expectations.

“We told each other stories, and the stories became our lives.”

Penelope describing how narratives shaped her and the women around her.

“The world is full of tricksters. Be careful of them.”

Penelope's mother warning her about the deceitful nature of men, including Odysseus.

“We danced, we sang, we told our stories. We were the Maids. We were the ones who knew.”

The Maids emphasizing their collective identity and their unique knowledge of events.

“He was a man of many twists and turns. He was a man of many words. He was a man of many women.”

Penelope's characterization of Odysseus, highlighting his complexity and infidelity.

“There are two sides to every story, and I am the side that has been ignored.”

Penelope asserting her right to tell her own version of the myth.

“We were dirt. We were trash. We were nothing. But we saw everything.”

The Maids reflecting on their low social status despite their crucial role as observers.

“You can never trust a hero. They're always up to something.”

Penelope's cynical view of heroic figures, born from her experiences.

“And so we dangle. And so we sway. And so we sing our song.”

The Maids' chilling description of their fate, delivered in their characteristic chorus.

“The past is a story we tell ourselves. But the past is also a story that tells us.”

Penelope musing on the reciprocal relationship between narrative and history.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

Question 1
According to Penelope's narration, what was the primary reason the twelve maids were hanged by Odysseus upon his return?
1. They had stolen valuable treasures from the palace during Odysseus's absence.
2. They had betrayed Penelope by aiding the suitors in their attempts to marry her.
3. They were believed to have slept with the suitors and thus tainted Odysseus's household.
4. They were accused of attempting to poison Telemachus, Penelope's son.
Show answer
C. They were believed to have slept with the suitors and thus tainted Odysseus's household. Penelope and the maids explain that Odysseus and Telemachus believed the maids had engaged in sexual relations with the suitors, thus dishonoring the household, which was the stated reason for their execution.
Question 2
How does Penelope describe her relationship with Helen of Troy in 'The Penelopiad'?
1. They were close childhood friends who maintained a strong bond.
2. Penelope viewed Helen with a mixture of resentment and envy, often feeling overshadowed by her beauty.
3. Penelope admired Helen and saw her as a role model for grace and beauty.
4. They were estranged, having never truly known each other beyond familial ties.
Show answer
B. Penelope viewed Helen with a mixture of resentment and envy, often feeling overshadowed by her beauty. Penelope frequently expresses her disdain and jealousy towards Helen, whom she sees as frivolous and the cause of much suffering, while also acknowledging Helen's enchanting beauty.
Question 3
What is the primary narrative device used by Margaret Atwood to retell the story in 'The Penelopiad'?
1. It is told entirely through Odysseus's perspective, reflecting on his journey.
2. It is narrated by a third-person omniscient voice, providing an objective account.
3. It is primarily narrated by Penelope from the underworld, interspersed with choruses from her hanged maids.
4. It is presented as a series of letters exchanged between Penelope and Telemachus.
Show answer
C. It is primarily narrated by Penelope from the underworld, interspersed with choruses from her hanged maids. The novel's unique structure features Penelope narrating from the afterlife, often reflecting on her life and events, while the twelve hanged maids provide choral commentaries, songs, and poems.
Question 4
What 'trick' did Penelope employ to delay choosing a new husband from among the suitors?
1. She claimed she needed to complete a tapestry for Odysseus's funeral shroud, unraveling it each night.
2. She promised to marry the suitor who could outwit her in a series of riddles.
3. She insisted on waiting for a specific astronomical alignment that would indicate the 'right' time.
4. She declared she would only marry a man who could string Odysseus's great bow.
Show answer
A. She claimed she needed to complete a tapestry for Odysseus's funeral shroud, unraveling it each night. Penelope famously claimed she had to weave a burial shroud for Laertes, Odysseus's father, and each night she would secretly unpick the day's weaving to prolong the task.
Question 5
What is the significance of the maids' 'chorus' sections in the novel?
1. They provide comic relief and lighthearted interruptions to Penelope's serious narrative.
2. They offer alternative perspectives and challenge Penelope's version of events, giving voice to the marginalized.
3. They serve as a recap of events from Homer's original 'Odyssey' for readers unfamiliar with the myth.
4. They are purely symbolic, representing the cyclical nature of women's suffering.
Show answer
B. They offer alternative perspectives and challenge Penelope's version of events, giving voice to the marginalized. The maids' choruses are crucial to the novel's feminist re-reading, as they offer a collective, often bitter, counter-narrative to Penelope's, highlighting their own exploitation and suffering and questioning Penelope's innocence.
Question 6
How does Penelope describe her mother, the Naiad Dryad?
1. As a loving and nurturing figure who taught Penelope about the natural world.
2. As a distant and somewhat terrifying figure who left Penelope feeling abandoned and unloved.
3. As a strict but fair disciplinarian who prepared Penelope for her royal duties.
4. As a tragic figure who died young, leaving Penelope with fond memories.
Show answer
B. As a distant and somewhat terrifying figure who left Penelope feeling abandoned and unloved. Penelope recounts her mother's unpredictable, almost feral nature, and the fear she felt, especially after her mother attempted to drown her as a child. This left Penelope with a lasting sense of insecurity and a lack of maternal affection.
Question 7
What is Penelope's underlying motivation for telling her story in 'The Penelopiad'?
1. To absolve Odysseus of any wrongdoing and praise his heroic deeds.
2. To finally set the record straight from her perspective and challenge the traditional narrative of her as a purely faithful wife.
3. To seek sympathy from the audience for her twenty years of solitude.
4. To warn other women about the dangers of marrying powerful men.
Show answer
B. To finally set the record straight from her perspective and challenge the traditional narrative of her as a purely faithful wife. Penelope explicitly states her desire to correct the historical record and present her own, often more cynical and self-aware, version of events, moving beyond the simplistic 'faithful wife' archetype.
Question 8
What specific detail does Penelope reveal about her relationship with Eurycleia, her old nurse?
1. Eurycleia was a consistent source of comfort and unwavering loyalty.
2. Penelope suspected Eurycleia of being overly loyal to Odysseus and potentially undermining her authority.
3. Eurycleia encouraged Penelope to choose a new suitor for the good of Ithaca.
4. Eurycleia was one of the maids who was hanged, a fact Penelope mourns deeply.
Show answer
B. Penelope suspected Eurycleia of being overly loyal to Odysseus and potentially undermining her authority. Penelope often expresses her distrust of Eurycleia, viewing her as Odysseus's spy and a potential informant who prioritized him over Penelope's own interests.
Question 9
How does 'The Penelopiad' portray the concept of justice in the afterlife for Penelope and the maids?
1. They receive ultimate divine justice, with their tormentors punished.
2. They find peace and understanding, forgiving their past sufferings.
3. They are trapped in a perpetual state of re-enacting their suffering and seeking recognition, never truly finding peace.
4. They are reincarnated into new lives, free from their past burdens.
Show answer
C. They are trapped in a perpetual state of re-enacting their suffering and seeking recognition, never truly finding peace. Both Penelope and the maids are depicted as still grappling with their past, unable to fully escape the trauma and injustice they experienced. The maids, in particular, repeatedly return to the scene of their hanging, seeking a voice and justice that remains elusive.
Question 10
What is the primary characteristic that Penelope attributes to Odysseus throughout her narrative?
1. His unwavering loyalty and devotion to his family.
2. His profound wisdom and selfless leadership.
3. His cunning, manipulative nature, and self-serving ambition.
4. His physical strength and unparalleled bravery in battle.
Show answer
C. His cunning, manipulative nature, and self-serving ambition. Penelope consistently portrays Odysseus as a master manipulator and trickster, often questioning his motives and highlighting his self-interest rather than his heroic qualities.

The Penelopiad FAQ

What is the central premise of 'The Penelopiad' and how does it differ from Homer's 'The Odyssey'?

'The Penelopiad' retells the story of Odysseus's return from the perspective of Penelope and her twelve hanged maids, challenging Homer's heroic narrative. It focuses on Penelope's experiences managing Ithaca and her son Telemachus during Odysseus's twenty-year absence, and critically examines the hanging of the maids, an event largely unexplained in the original epic.

Who are the twelve hanged maids, and why are their voices crucial to Atwood's retelling?

The twelve hanged maids were young women in Penelope's household who were executed by Odysseus upon his return. Their choruses, presented as various forms of performance like laments, jump-rope rhymes, and court transcripts, provide an alternative, often cynical and accusatory, perspective on the events, particularly regarding their own fates and the actions of Penelope and Odysseus.

How does Penelope portray her relationship with Odysseus in Atwood's novel?

Penelope's portrayal of Odysseus is complex; she acknowledges his charm and cleverness but also his ruthlessness, infidelity, and prolonged absence. While she claims to have loved him, she also expresses resentment for his abandonment and suspicion regarding his true motives and loyalty, particularly concerning the maids and his various affairs.

What role does Helen of Troy play in Penelope's narrative?

Helen of Troy is Penelope's beautiful cousin and a constant source of insecurity and resentment for Penelope. Penelope views Helen as vain, manipulative, and the cause of the Trojan War, often comparing herself unfavorably to Helen's legendary beauty and the attention she commands, even from beyond the grave.

How does Penelope describe her relationship with her son, Telemachus?

Penelope's relationship with Telemachus is fraught with tension and a sense of betrayal. She sees him as increasingly disrespectful and easily manipulated by the suitors and the patriarchal expectations of his society. She feels he undermines her authority and ultimately sides with his father, contributing to her isolation.

What is the significance of the maids' repeated 'oaths' or vows to Penelope?

The maids' 'oaths' refer to their promise to Penelope to spy on the suitors and report back, which Penelope believes they betrayed by consorting with the suitors. However, their choruses suggest their 'oaths' were coerced and their actions were a matter of survival, blurring the lines of their alleged disloyalty.

How does Atwood subtly suggest Penelope's potential complicity in the maids' deaths?

Atwood introduces ambiguity around Penelope's actions, particularly her instructions to the maids to 'entertain' the suitors and her lack of intervention during their execution. The maids' choruses explicitly accuse Penelope of using them as pawns and sacrificing them to preserve her own reputation and secure Odysseus's return, hinting at a calculated betrayal.

Are there any clues that Odysseus might have had ulterior motives for hanging the maids, beyond their alleged disloyalty?

The narrative suggests Odysseus's motives were complex. He might have been asserting his patriarchal authority, eliminating potential witnesses to his long absence, or simply following custom. The maids' choruses imply he saw them as expendable property, and their deaths were a symbolic cleansing of his household, not necessarily a punishment for genuine treachery.

What is the implied fate of Penelope and the maids in the afterlife?

In the afterlife, Penelope and the maids remain connected, though not always harmoniously. Penelope is haunted by the maids' accusations, and they continue to chafe against their subservient roles, even in death. Their existence in the underworld reflects their unresolved grievances and the lingering injustice of their earthly lives.

How does Penelope's upbringing, particularly her relationship with her father Icarius, shape her character?

Penelope's upbringing by Icarius, who threw her into the sea as an infant, instilled in her a deep sense of insecurity, resourcefulness, and a need for self-preservation. This early trauma contributes to her cautious, calculating nature and her lifelong struggle with trust, influencing her decisions regarding her kingdom and her maids.

What psychological impact does Odysseus's prolonged absence have on Penelope?

Odysseus's absence forces Penelope into a position of unexpected power and independence, but also cultivates paranoia, loneliness, and a profound sense of abandonment. She develops a resilient, guarded psyche, constantly strategizing to maintain her position and protect her household, but at the cost of genuine emotional connection.

How does the novel explore the psychological effects of powerlessness and exploitation on the maids?

The maids' choruses vividly portray the psychological effects of their powerlessness as enslaved women. They experience fear, resentment, and a desperate struggle for survival, leading them to make choices that are later condemned. Their collective voice expresses the trauma of being objectified, exploited, and ultimately discarded by the patriarchal system.

What is the significance of Penelope's weaving and unweaving in terms of her psychological state?

Penelope's weaving and unweaving of Laertes's shroud is a symbolic act of resistance and a manifestation of her psychological endurance. It represents her cleverness, her ability to buy time, and her desperate attempt to maintain control in a situation where she has very little. It's a testament to her mental fortitude and her subtle defiance.

Is Penelope a reliable narrator, or does Atwood intentionally make her perspective biased?

Penelope is an unreliable narrator, as Atwood intentionally crafts her perspective to be self-serving and biased. While she presents her actions as justified and prudent, the maids' choruses frequently contradict or cast doubt on her version of events, forcing the reader to question Penelope's motivations and the truth of her narrative.

How does Atwood use the chorus of the maids to challenge traditional notions of heroism and justice?

The maids' chorus directly challenges the heroic portrayal of Odysseus by exposing his brutality and the disregard for the lives of those beneath him. They question the 'justice' of their execution, highlighting the class and gender inequalities that allowed such an act to be committed with impunity, thereby deconstructing the conventional epic narrative.

What is Atwood's broader commentary on gender roles and patriarchal society through this retelling?

Atwood uses 'The Penelopiad' to critique the restrictive gender roles and inherent injustices of patriarchal society. She exposes how women, regardless of their status, are often objectified, silenced, and made vulnerable to male power, whether through marriage, slavery, or violence, and how their stories are often erased or distorted.

How does the novel invite readers to reconsider the concept of 'truth' in historical or mythological narratives?

The novel explicitly challenges the singular, authoritative 'truth' found in traditional narratives like 'The Odyssey.' By offering multiple, conflicting perspectives, particularly from marginalized voices, Atwood encourages readers to question who gets to tell the story and whose experiences are deemed worthy of record, suggesting that truth is often subjective and shaped by power.

Could the maids be seen as a collective representation of all women silenced by history?

Yes, the twelve hanged maids serve as a powerful metaphor for all women throughout history whose stories have been ignored, suppressed, or distorted by patriarchal narratives. Their collective voice and unresolved grievances represent the untold suffering and systemic injustices faced by countless voiceless women.

About the author

Margaret Atwood

Margaret Eleanor Atwood is a Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, essayist, teacher, environmental activist, and inventor. Since 1961, she has published eighteen books of poetry, eighteen novels, eleven books of non-fiction, nine collections of short fiction, eight children's books, two graphic novels, and a number of small press editions of both poetry and fiction. Atwood has won numerous awards and honors for her writing, including two Booker Prizes, the Arthur C. Clarke Award, the Governor General's Award, the Franz Kafka Prize, Princess of Asturias Awards, and the National Book Critics and PEN Center USA Lifetime Achievement Awards. A number of her works have been adapted for film and television.

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