As a reader unfamiliar with both Homer and Edna St. Vincent Millay I still found this writing interesting. Interesting in both points of view of the writers you have showcased here.

First is your interpretation of Homer’s portrayal of his character Penelope. A dedicated wife to a husband lost somewhere and her plight to keep herself chastised to the man whom she longs for. Denying her own personal turmoil in the art of weaving to deliver herself from the ravages of the society she lived in who expected her to marry and behave according to their presets of acceptable behavior for women in those days. I thought you presented her story very well in such a short overview of the story as I understand the Odyssey to be. From your writing I somehow expect her to be from a family of some great means or at least hold some position in the public eye to which she was born into. Therefore the expectation was probably enhanced by Homer for the writing he presented. Second is your interpretation of Mrs. Millay’s, An Ancient Gesture, which is as you wrote, a call to overcome grief of a lost husband in order not to lose ones sense of autonomy and determination to live beyond unexpected and unappreciated circumstance. I feel as though you have presented both ideas very well. Especially to a reader unfamiliar with both who could use this well written piece to explore both of the books and writings you have presented here.

Overall I enjoyed reading your work. I wish you the very best and hope to read more of your writing again.

Jade Jasper