1. Penelope:
- Resentment and Anger: Penelope deeply resents the presence and behavior of the suitors. She feels violated by their intrusive occupation of her home and their disrespect towards her and Odysseus.
- Fear and Powerlessness: Penelope experiences fear due to the suitors' aggressive pursuit of her and their threats to force her into marriage. She feels powerless in her situation as a lone woman without her husband to protect her.
- Deception and Loyalty: Penelope employs various clever strategies to stall the suitors and remain faithful to Odysseus. She engages in the famous "web" trick to delay her decision until she can be certain of Odysseus' return.
2. Eurycleia:
- Disgust and Disapproval: Eurycleia shares Penelope's negative sentiments towards the suitors. She openly expresses her disgust at their behavior and considers them to be insolent and disrespectful.
- Loyalty and Protectiveness: Eurycleia is fiercely loyal to Penelope and Odysseus. She plays a crucial role in helping Penelope resist the suitors' advances, providing emotional support and acting as a confidante to the queen.
- Insight and Wisdom: Eurycleia possesses wisdom gained through her years of experience. She often offers advice to Penelope and is instrumental in recognizing Odysseus when he finally returns home in disguise.
Both Penelope and Eurycleia view the suitors with contempt and see them as a threat to their way of life and the stability of Odysseus' household. Their shared feelings of frustration and determination underscore the theme of fidelity, loyalty, and the eventual triumph of justice and order in the face of adversity.