The principles of female figures in the Odyssey

This thesis examines five principles concerning female figures in Homer’s Odyssey. In analysing each principle the method draws on certain words, their cognates and associated concepts involving female figures in the epic. It demonstrates that the Homeric Odyssean world has a values system that is underpinned by principles that are acted upon by male and female figures. Actions by female figures demonstrate that they too exhibit these principles, and that in a couple of cases solely female figures exhibit certain principles such as guidance. In addition, the principles are essentially co-operative in nature as defined by Adkins’ work, in that what the female figures do in the epic is considered of worth because of how their actions impact upon other figures, be they either male or female figures. Lastly identification and examination of the principles exhibited by female figures demonstrates that female figures have agency in the epic.