Do not forget that Odysseus plans "death and destruction"
for all the suitors. In general, they are a group of despicable
characters.
When Penelope solicits and entices marriage
gifts from the suitors, she has a double purpose in mind. First, she wishes to keep the
suitors off guard. Second, she wants to prove her loyalty to her husband, whom she has
correctly suspected as the disguised stranger.
With the
help of enhanced beauty from Athena, Penelope accomplishes what she sets out to do. The
suitors are in a general state of complacency and self indulgence. She asserts power
and intelligence when she entices them into desiring her more and further tricks them
into giving her gifts. In so doing, she proves she has these men under her
control.
Odysseus is both pleased by his wife's loyalty and
proud of her ability to put the suitors into a weaker position for his surprise
attack.
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