Continued...

In continuation with the theme of identity, it is interesting to compare how the roles of men and women characters fall under this larger theme. Many students have also recognized the distinction between the roles of males and females in Homer’s epic.

It seems as though the theme of identity almost turns into a stereotype; the men (Odysseus and Telemachus) are on epic journeys, facing hardship and difficulty, while the women are disguising themselves, deceiving others, and lying. There are many examples of this deception, and all on different levels of the scale. From innocent and faithful Penelope, who, in good intentions, unravels her woven shroud each night in hopes to keep off the suitors, to fickle Helen, who even still may seem like a harmless enchantress, mixes potions to drug those whom she wants to forget something, usually about the past. 

It is interesting to see how, though many characters possess cunning, strategic quality, gender roles cause the views of each to be different. WHen a male is strategic, cunning, or tricky, he is honored and viewed as the smart, brave-in-the-face-of-danger-hero. When a woman uses her beauty or charms or tricks, she is viewed as one who destroys men, and is therefore degraded.

I believe these are interesting concepts to keep in mind as the plot further unfolds  and the story of each character is further revealed.