The Odyssey:
Penelope’s Test
By Alex Connelly and Edward Kim
Summary
Odysseus returns from the Challenge,
and returns to Penelope. Although he claims
he is Penelope’s husband, Penelope tests him.
After the last test, Penelope tests on
how their bed was built. When Penelope
orders her maid to move the bed, Odysseus
flares, and says it cannot move, as it was built
with an Olive tree.
By this point, Penelope knows this man is
truly Odysseus, because Penelope and
Odysseus are the only mortals who know
this.
Characters
Penelope: Clever, skeptical, spouse of
Odysseus.
Odysseus: Brave, strong, heroic, strong, King
of Ithaca.
Penelope’s Motivation
Her motivation was to test Odysseus, as
he appeared younger than he was thanks
to Athena.
 Penelope was also skeptical, because for
20 years, men have attempted to convince
her that Odysseus was dead. Both she
and Telemachus still believed he wasn’t
dead.

The Theme/Lesson

Despite tests and trials, Odysseus and
Penelope learn that they are equally
devoted to each other.
Significant Passages


“Her heart is iron in her breast.” (Page 702)
This shows that Penelope is cautious; after 20
years of holding down the kingdom by herself,
she is skeptical and distrustful.
“Her knees grew tremulous with eyes
brimming tears, she ran to him, throwing her
arms around his neck and kissed him.” (Page
703) This shows Penelope and Odysseus’
devotion to each other. After Odysseus proves
himself, Penelope lets her guard down, and her
emotions pour out of her.
Discussion Questions
Why did Odysseus not tell Penelope who
he was after his plan?
 What contact did the gods have with
Penelope and/or her son regarding
Odysseus?
 How were Odysseus’ and Penelope’s
their emotions in seeing how Penelope
changed?
