In the Odyssey, a hundred and eight suitors assured that Odysseus would not return home. The suitors were captivated by the charm and intellect of Odysseus’ wife, Penelope. Therefore, they have taken over the household of the king.
Detailed answer:
A hundred and eight suitors have taken over the house of Penelope and Telemachus. These characters are essential for the development of the poem. After Odysseus left for a prolonged time, a group of men surrounded his wife. Homer called these men suitors. The suitors were selfish and rude. These people would arrive at the house of Penelope and Telemachus, especially while Odysseus was away.
People believed that Odysseus is dead. Thus, a lot of men thought about asking for Penelope’s hand. However, she did not give in to the provocations. She stated, “Three whole years, I deceived them blind.” Penelope hoped that Odysseus is alive. She did not trust the suitors. These characters are generally called the suitors during the poem. It helps identify them as an oppressive power that Penelope and Telemachus must confront. In the Odyssey, the audience only learns the names of several main suitors. Homer presents them as the most significant in the story.
For example, Amphinomus is the most sympathetic of all the suitors. He voted against the plan of killing Telemachus. On the other hand, Antinous was the most selfish and arrogant suitor. He desired to defeat Telemachus and occupy the palace. He is the first suitor to be murdered by Odysseus.
The suitors were breaking all the established rules of ancient courting manners. They were eating the household’s food and sleeping with servants. Most importantly, they were forcefully trying to occupy Odysseus’ place. They wanted to make Penelope give up waiting for him and marry one of them.