This is about how Penelope procrastinates about remarrying throughout the Odyssey with hopes of Odysseus' return.

"Procrastinating Penelope"

In the beginning of the Odyssey, Penelope and Telemakhos are waiting for the homecoming of Odysseus. Odysseus has been gone for many years at Troy and his family is awaiting his return home, concept of nustros. At this time it seems rather unusual for them to still have any kind of hope on his return because it has been so long. In particular, Penelope is awaiting Odysseus' return although there is not much hope. The idea of remarrying now seems relevant to many people and the suitors are trying to get her to chose one of them. There are some very obvious episodes that shows Penelope procrastinates remarrying, mostly because she feels as though no one can replace Odysseus and she does not want to give up hope on his return.

Early in Book 2 Penelope mentions her stipulations on when she will remarry. She speaks to the suitors and tells them that she will remarry when she is finished weaving a shroud for Lord Laertes, Odysseus' father.

Odysseus, in the guise of a beggar, tries to be re...

Penelope Cruz

English: Head of Odysseus from a sculptural group ...

(2:104-114) Although, "everyday she wove on the great loom-but every night by torchlight she unwove it" (2:112-113). This is a prime example of Penelope procrastinating remarriage. She feels that she is making the suitors happy, because she is manipulating them into thinking she is going to remarry one of them. In reality, this is keeping her content by delaying remarrying and at the same time strengthens her hope of Odysseus homecoming.

Another instance of Penelope procrastinating remarriage is when she remembers what Odysseus said when he left for Troy. Penelope remembers this because Telemakhos has just returned home and she notices how grown he is. Odysseus said that she should remarry whom she wants when Telemakhos' has a beard (18:336-337). The idea of what Penelope considers...