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The Character Of Odysseus In Margaret Atwood's Odyssey

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I love that Margaret Atwood chose to tell Penelope’s side of the story through Penelope’s point of view. It definitely makes the narrative of Odysseus and his journey much more interesting. However, the change in point of view causes the reader to question who is telling the true story – Homer or Penelope? Personally, I am having a hard time choosing what to believe and what not to believe; more specifically, I am conflicted over the character of Odysseus. In The Odyssey, Odysseus is portrayed as a hero whose only flaw is his pride. In The Penelopiad, he is characterized as almost the opposite. Penelope states that she “had inklings, about his slipperiness, his wiliness, his foxiness…, his unscrupulousness, but [she] turned a blind eye” (Atwood 3). She claims that he was a cheat, a liar, and a thief. Before starting this novella, I had a clear image of Odysseus; but, now I have no idea who he truly is as a character. …show more content…

I assumed Atwood’s diction would be similar to Homer’s since her story is virtually a retelling of The Odyssey from a different point of view; however, this is not the case—Atwood’s diction is very refreshing. The many similes and metaphors scattered throughout the narrative are not only entertaining, but they also paint very unique and specific images for the reader. My personal favorite simile comes when Penelope is explaining how she is able to visit the land of the

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