Book XXI.

Consider the role of women in the Odyssey. What have you learned about how "Homer's" society would have viewed women?
The main thing about women in the Odyssey is that the women are very faithful. Penelope, for instance, waited for Odysseus for 21 years. She did not sleep with other men or even think about it. She was completely loyal to Odysseus. Odysseus on the other hand, was not faithful. He could have been used as an example also, for men in that book. He for the most part sleeps around with other women and does not care. It is as if men have that right and women do not.

What are you learning about Penelope in Book XXI?
In book 21 you see that Penelope is losing her faith in her husbands return. She has always been a strong and committed wife, but after all the trials and struggles she has been through she has had enough. What she does not know is that Odysseus is right in front of her face. She also is saying that she does not want to show any respect or put any effort into being pleasant or nice to strangers because of the suitors. The suitors have treated her so badly (in that the way they present themselves and what they have done to her home and life) that she does not want to deal with them or any other stranger because of it.

In what ways are characters loyal or disloyal to Odysseus?
Many of Odysseus' people were very faithful to him. One being Eurycleia, she did not think badly of Odysseus when he was gone. She was always faithful and did what he would have wanted her to. She also turned in those who were not faithful to him when he asked her. A few of the servants he had turned against him. One turned in Penelope when she tried to buy herself time so she would not have to marry one of the suitors. She told the suitors she would marry one of them when she finished (weaving) Laertes' shroud, but each night she would undo the work she did on it each day. The servant told the suitors and that plan failed for her because of it.

Predict what you think will happen in Book XXII.

I already read 22, but even if I had not I would still predict that the suitors would be killed.