Which character in "The Odyssey" is famous for her intelligence and cunning?

Study for the NAQT Literature Test. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Penelope is celebrated for her intelligence and cunning throughout "The Odyssey." As the wife of Odysseus, she demonstrates remarkable cleverness and resourcefulness during her husband's long absence. One of her most famous strategies involves weaving a tapestry; she promises the suitors she will choose one of them as a husband once she finishes the tapestry, but each night she secretly unravels her work, delaying her choice. This clever deception not only showcases her wit but also her fidelity and hope for Odysseus's return. Her ability to maintain control of her situation against the suitors and her loyalty to her husband highlight her as a quintessential figure of intelligence and cunning in the narrative.

In contrast, while Circe and Calypso are also strong female characters in the epic, they are more often characterized by their magical abilities and roles in Odysseus's journey rather than their cunning in the same sense as Penelope. Phaedra, meanwhile, is not a key figure in "The Odyssey" but rather appears in other Greek myths, particularly in relation to the story of Hippolytus.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy