Why did Margaret Atwood write "The Penelopiad"?

"The Penelopiad" is a Novella by Margaret Atwood, published in 2005. It offers a feminist interpretation of Homer's Odyssey by focusing on the perspective of Penelope, wife of Odysseus. Atwood's motivation in writing this work stems from her desire to explore and give voice to a female character who had little agency in Homer's original ancient Greek epic poem.

Unveiling the Female Perspective: Penelope's Counter-Narrative

One of Atwood's primary reasons for writing "The Penelopiad" was to examine the legendary story of Odysseus through the lens of Penelope. Penelope's version of events challenges the male-centered narratives traditionally associated with Greek mythology. By telling the same story from a radically different feminine perspective, Atwood aims to subvert and critique the patriarchal norms that often dominate mythological tales.

Empowering Penelope: Giving Voice to a Silent Character

Atwood also wanted to transform Penelope from a passive, silenced character into an empowered and authoritative narrator of her own story. Homer's Odyssey portrayed Penelope as a secondary figure focused entirely on her husband's interests rather than her own. In "The Penelopiad," Atwood gives Penelope a strong, candid voice to share her own motivations, thoughts, and feelings. Penelope becomes a rounded, complex character rather than a mere archetype.

Additionally, Atwood's Penelope provides wry commentary on the legendary heroes of Greek mythology, debunking the notion that characters like Odysseus or Helen were truly noble or ideal. The Novella offers a sharp, satirical rebuke of mythic tropes from a classically silenced female vantage point.

Elevating Feminine Voices and Challenging Mythological Norms

In summary, Margaret Atwood wrote "The Penelopiad" primarily to retell a traditional Greek myth from a creative feminist perspective. By letting Penelope narrate her own account, Atwood raises the previously suppressed female voice in mythology. She also critiques and subverts many patriarchal norms and ideals inherent to mythological narratives. Atwood manages to make Penelope not just a participant but a social critic in her own story.