The Penelopiad

This interlude from the chorus presents Odysseus’ actions, as weighed by a modern-day court. The defense argues that his slaughter of the Suitors was justified, as they were plotting to kill his son and would likely have killed Odysseus if he attempted to resolve the matter diplomatically. The judge moves toward dismissal of the charges (there seems to be no prosecution), until the maids interrupt, pushing for their murders to be introduced as a new charge. While the judge acknowledges the charge that the maids were raped, both the defense and Penelope argue that at issue was that no nobleman gave them permission to have sex with the Suitors, not did they give the Suitors permission to “use” their “property.” The judge concludes by dismissing the case, saying that the “client’s times were not our times” (182) and that “it would be unfortunate if this regrettable but minor incident were allowed to stand as a blot on an otherwise exceedingly distinguished career” (182). The maids then call upon the Furies to “inflict punishment and exact vengeance on [their] behalf,” (183) and haunt Odysseus for eternity, regardless of his form, in body and legend.