The Role of Women in Homer’s The Odyssey

Epic poems reflect a culture’s values.  The female characters in Homer’s poem, The Odyssey, reflect the ancient Greek values of helpfulness, loyalty, and cleverness. Athena is a character who represents helpfulness.  At the beginning of the story, she offers advice to help Telemachus persuade the suitors to leave Odysseus’s palace.  Athena advises, “At daybreak call…