“Penelope’s Song” by Louise Glück: A Critical Analysis

1. Longing and Anticipation

A central theme in “Penelope’s Song” is the enduring sense of longing and anticipation for the return of a loved one. Penelope, the speaker, awaits Odysseus’s return, reflecting her emotional endurance and devotion. This is evident in lines such as “He will be home soon; it behooves you to be generous.” The phrase underscores her sustained hope despite the prolonged separation. The repetitive imagery of watching and waiting, such as “climb the shelf-like branches of the spruce tree; wait at the top, attentive,” reinforces the emotional strain and vigilance required in maintaining this hope.

2. Self-Reflection and Guilt

The theme of self-reflection and guilt permeates the poem, as the speaker grapples with her own imperfections. This is highlighted in “You have not been completely perfect either; with your troublesome body you have done things you shouldn’t discuss in poems.” Here, the speaker acknowledges her own flaws, suggesting that waiting and loyalty are not devoid of inner conflict. This introspection humanizes Penelope, making her struggles relatable beyond the mythological context.

3. The Intersection of the Mundane and Mythic

Glück juxtaposes domestic and epic elements, showing the intersection of the mundane and the mythic in Penelope’s life. For example, the line “Suntanned from his time away, wanting his grilled chicken” brings Odysseus down from the realm of legend to that of an ordinary man with simple desires. This blending of the ordinary with the extraordinary reflects the duality of Penelope’s role as both a mythological figure and a relatable human being navigating everyday life.

4. Duty and Restraint

Duty and restraint are recurring themes as Penelope contemplates her role as the loyal wife. Her actions are driven by societal expectations and internalized responsibilities, as seen in “You must greet him, you must shake the boughs of the tree to get his attention.” The repeated use of “must” underscores the weight of these obligations, highlighting the sacrifices and careful efforts she makes to preserve her relationship. The cautionary tone in “carefully, carefully, lest his beautiful face be marred” illustrates her deep consideration for his well-being, reflecting the constraints placed upon her emotional expression.

1. How does Louise Glück reimagine Penelope’s character in “Penelope’s Song”?

Louise Glück reimagines Penelope as a complex, introspective figure who transcends her traditional portrayal as the loyal wife waiting passively for Odysseus. In “Little soul, little perpetually undressed one,” Glück grants Penelope a reflective inner dialogue, addressing her vulnerability and emotional rawness. The speaker’s acknowledgment of imperfections, such as “You have not been completely perfect either,” humanizes Penelope, showing her struggles with guilt and self-awareness. This reimagining shifts the focus from Odysseus’s heroism to Penelope’s inner life, emphasizing her strength and individuality.

2. What role does guilt play in the poem?

Guilt is a pervasive theme in “Penelope’s Song,” as the speaker reflects on her perceived shortcomings. The line “With your troublesome body you have done things you shouldn’t discuss in poems” reveals a deep sense of self-reproach, suggesting that Penelope views her physical desires or actions as transgressive. This guilt is juxtaposed with her sense of duty, as seen in “You must greet him, you must shake the boughs of the tree.” The tension between these emotions underscores the complexity of her character, illustrating the psychological toll of societal expectations and personal responsibility.

3. How does “Penelope’s Song” blend the mundane with the mythic?

Glück masterfully blends the mundane with the mythic, grounding Penelope’s legendary story in everyday experiences. While the poem references mythological elements, such as Penelope’s role as a sentry waiting for Odysseus (“Wait at the top, attentive, like a sentry or look-out”), it also incorporates domestic imagery, like “wanting his grilled chicken.” This juxtaposition bridges the gap between the timelessness of the myth and the relatable, human aspects of Penelope’s life, emphasizing her duality as both a mythical figure and a modern, introspective woman.

4. What is the significance of the soul in the poem?

The soul in “Penelope’s Song” represents Penelope’s inner self, embodying her emotional vulnerability and resilience. Addressed as “little soul, little perpetually undressed one,” it is depicted as exposed and raw, reflecting Penelope’s unguarded emotions. The soul’s role as an observer, climbing the spruce tree and acting as a sentry (“Wait at the top, attentive, like a sentry or look-out”), symbolizes Penelope’s internal vigilance and longing for Odysseus. The interplay between the soul’s fragility and its duty highlights Penelope’s emotional complexity and her struggle to balance her inner desires with her outward responsibilities.