Book Review
Jan. 30th, 2010 07:20 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kenjariThe Penelopiad
by Margaret Atwood
This witty book looks at The Odyssey from Penelope's point of view, addressing her life during her husband's absence, and taking on the injustice of Odysseus' hanging of twelve of her maids. The book is largely narrated by Penelope, from her vantage point as a shade in Hades, with a few interludes in which the maids speak in the form of humorous poems and dramas. it's part feminist allegory and part sardonic commentary on The Odyssey
Despite its brevity, The Penelopiad gave me a lot to think about. First, there is the question of why the maids were hanged, and just what they and Penelope were doing while Odysseus was gone. Atwood never quite gives a definitive or direct answer, only hints and conjectures. Then there's Penelope's perspective on Odysseus and the tales told of him. She sees him as a very adept and charming trickster, and, while they have a good relationship, she has very few illusions about him. Thus, she has a healthy skepticism about the tales of his journey home from Troy. And there is Atwood's portrayal of Penelope - Atwood gives her a fuller backstory and a greater depth beyond her standard role of faithful and clever wife. Penelope is indeed clever and genuinely in Odysseus corner. She is also very clear-sighted, compassionate, and just a bit snarky and cynical.
by Margaret Atwood
This witty book looks at The Odyssey from Penelope's point of view, addressing her life during her husband's absence, and taking on the injustice of Odysseus' hanging of twelve of her maids. The book is largely narrated by Penelope, from her vantage point as a shade in Hades, with a few interludes in which the maids speak in the form of humorous poems and dramas. it's part feminist allegory and part sardonic commentary on The Odyssey
Despite its brevity, The Penelopiad gave me a lot to think about. First, there is the question of why the maids were hanged, and just what they and Penelope were doing while Odysseus was gone. Atwood never quite gives a definitive or direct answer, only hints and conjectures. Then there's Penelope's perspective on Odysseus and the tales told of him. She sees him as a very adept and charming trickster, and, while they have a good relationship, she has very few illusions about him. Thus, she has a healthy skepticism about the tales of his journey home from Troy. And there is Atwood's portrayal of Penelope - Atwood gives her a fuller backstory and a greater depth beyond her standard role of faithful and clever wife. Penelope is indeed clever and genuinely in Odysseus corner. She is also very clear-sighted, compassionate, and just a bit snarky and cynical.
