Odysseus and Penelope have strong patience and self-control within them. Odysseus, heartbroken and devastated, is trapped at the hands of an attractive and powerful goddess for twenty years, yet still refusing to formally fall in love with her. This act of endurance put on by Odysseus shows just how patient he can be. Calypso does not force him to marry her because doing so would only provoke him to divorce her. Odysseus was able to outwait Calypso and eventually he was guaranteed freedom.
Similarly, Penelope is constantly contaminated by suitors who have enormous desires to sleep with her. However, she shows no interest back to these men. She cries to herself in her private quarters and mourns the disappearance of her husband reminiscently. She does not easily allow the suitors to have their way with her. Penelope is a tenacious woman who believes her husband will one day come back. The long period of time when they are separated from one another are moments when both appear disconsolate and anxious, thus proving that they should be together.
The most apparent trait this couple presents is their sense of cleverness and intelligence. Odysseus has the defining traits of a true leader: strength, courage, nobility, a thirst for glory, and confidence in his authority. His most distinguishing trait, however, is his sharp intellect. Odysseus is already known as this hero with extraordinary stratagems shown through the Trojan Wars. “Telemachus says ‘You are held to be the best man in the world for stratagems; no one else can compare with you’” (304). It is his greatest strength and it is what has kept him alive on his journey back to from Troy.
Penelope also contains this similar trait. The suitors are so drawn to her to the point when she is able to trick them into giving her what she desires. Odysseus’s responds with satisfaction:
The noble, patient Odysseus was delighted at her words, because she was extorting gifts from her suitors and bewitching then by her persuasive words, while all the time her heart was set on something quite different. (246)
This quote shows how Penelope tricked her beau blindly into giving her gifts. Her cunningness is also shown by her confirmation of Odysseus’ real identity. When Odysseus tells her in ragged clothe and blood that the man standing before her is really her husband, she takes precautions and tests him to validate his real name before rushing into his arms. Their cleverness is an example of how like-minded they are when it comes to problem-solving and dealing with situations.
Lastly, we must not forget the physical attributes Odysseus and Penelope possess. The first thing people notice is one’s exterior features. If a tasteless face is present, then lousy personalities immediately come to mind. Fortunately, both Penelope and Odysseus are identified as divinely handsome and beautiful; it should not be a surprise since they are the king and queen of their people. Numerous quotes shown through the epic describe Odysseus as tall, broad, and handsome and few people can deny these qualities.
Likewise, Penelope attracts the suitors not just for all the power she holds, but plainly for her looks. "The goddess shed grace and beauty over her that all the Achaeans might admire her. […]; she made her taller and of a more commanding figure, while as for her complexion it was whiter than sawn ivory." (244). It is obvious that she is majestic and breathtaking in many ways.
Homer’s description of Odysseus and Penelope clearly displays the close connection that the two of them possess. It is not easy to still maintain faith in someone who has been disconnected for such a long time, but these two prove themselves to be a true fit for each other. Through all the challenges they have faced to them to evaluate their devotion in each other, they conquer the difficulty. A conscious sense of mind and a combination of patience; dignity; cleverness, and beautiful physical features are what make the affair between the two stay alive. They have more commonalities than differences and most readers can agree they are a perfect match.
