
E875 - The Penelopiad: A Contemporary Retelling of Penelope's Story
Published: January 14, 2026
Duration: 2:36
Chapter 1 What's The Penelopiad
"The Penelopiad" by Margaret Atwood is a retelling of Homer's "The Odyssey" from the perspective of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus. In this novella, Penelope shares her side of the story, offering a voice to the traditionally silent female characters and exploring themes of loyalty, gender roles, and the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. Through a blend of humor and poignancy, Atwood delves into Penelope's thoughts on her marriage, the trials of waiting for Odysseus's return, and the complexities of her relationships with her maids and suitors, ultimately highlighting the strength and...