Violence in The Penelopiad and “Book VI” of The Iliad

 

Violence in The Penelopiad and “Book VI” of The Iliad

Introduction

Violence is a pervasive theme in both Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad and Homer’s The Iliad, though it manifests differently in each text and serves distinct purposes. While The Iliad glorifies and romanticizes the brutality of war through heroic ideals, The Penelopiad critiques these notions by highlighting the violence experienced by women in the aftermath of male-centered conflict. This essay will analyze how both texts address the source and consequences of violence, emphasizing their thematic divergences and contextual implications.

The Source of Violence

In The Iliad, violence primarily arises from human emotions such as honor, pride, and vengeance. The epic centers on the rage of Achilles, which catalyzes a chain of violent confrontations among the Greeks and Trojans. The source of violence can be attributed to personal grievances and the quest for glory, as seen in Hector’s desire to protect his city and Achilles’ need for recognition:

– Homeric Logic: In The Iliad, violence is framed as an inevitable consequence of human nature and societal values. Heroes are celebrated for their prowess in battle, reinforcing a cultural narrative that equates violence with honor and masculinity.

Conversely, The Penelopiad shifts the focus from the battlefield to the domestic sphere, exposing the often-overlooked violence that women endure during and after war. Atwood presents the consequences of male violence through the voices of Penelope and the twelve maids, who are executed following Odysseus’s return:

– Atwood’s Critique: The source of violence in The Penelopiad stems not only from the actions of men but also from a patriarchal society that diminishes women’s agency. Atwood critiques the glorification of male heroism by showcasing the brutal aftermath of war that affects women, emphasizing their suffering and indignities.

Consequences of Violence

The consequences of violence in The Iliad are multifaceted, leading to both physical destruction and existential reflection. The battlefield becomes a site of glory for warriors, yet it also brings about profound loss:

– Heroic Consequence: In The Iliad, death and destruction are portrayed as part of the heroic ideal, with warriors achieving immortality through their deeds. However, this glorification also leads to a cycle of grief, as seen in the lamentations of Hector’s family and Achilles’ eventual realization of mortality.

On the other hand, The Penelopiad presents violence as a mechanism of control that perpetuates injustice and silences female voices:

– Subjugation and Silence: The execution of the maids represents the broader societal consequences of war, where women’s lives are expendable in the pursuit of male honor. Atwood highlights how this violence leads to the erasure of women’s stories, ultimately critiquing a narrative that prioritizes male experiences over those of women.

Comparison and Contrast

Although both texts address violence, they do so through different lenses. In The Iliad, violence is often romanticized, serving to reinforce heroic ideals and masculine identity. The deaths in battle are painted with grandeur, portraying warriors as noble figures engaged in a glorious struggle.

In contrast, The Penelopiad deconstructs this narrative by exposing the brutality that underlies such ideals. Atwood’s narrative serves as a counterpoint to Homeric valorization by illustrating how war’s violence extends far beyond the battlefield, particularly affecting those left behind. The experiences of Penelope and her maids reveal the harsh realities women face as collateral damage in male-dominated conflicts.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both The Penelopiad and “Book VI” of The Iliad engage with the themes of violence, yet they diverge sharply in their implications. While Homer’s epic emphasizes honor and glory derived from violent conflict, Atwood critiques this perspective by foregrounding the often-ignored consequences faced by women in its wake. Through these contrasting portrayals, both texts contribute to a more nuanced understanding of violence—one that encompasses not only its sources but also its profound and far-reaching effects on individuals and society at large.