Question

Read the excerpt from a discussion of themes in The Odyssey - Penelope.

Throughout Penelope’s encounter with the disguised Odysseus, she demonstrates how loyal she has been to him during his long absence.

What is the best way to summarize the theme being discussed?

The character of Penelope is very loyal.
Odysseus deserves Penelope’s loyalty.
Relationships are often made of loyalty.
Loyalty is the key to lasting relationships.

Answer 1

Loyalty is the key to lasting relationships.

This choice turns Penelope’s personal fidelity into a broader idea about what sustains relationships, which matches a thematic summary better than a simple character description or a statement about deservingness.