Homer's Odyssey effectively demonstrates the numerous social roles played in Greek culture by placing emphasis on the expectations of the two sexes, particularly those of women. Two main factions of women, classified according to their different levels of prestige, are used to represent the different ancient Greek women. The lower level is the mortal common woman, divided into sovereign women such as Penelope and common women such as maids. The highest level is the immortal goddess, from the famous Pallas Athena to nymphs and witches such as Circe and Calypso. Even though women occupy a different position in society than men, they assume an undeniable dominance of influence and power, which predominantly guides social life. Maids play a role of servitude in the poem. Expectations for these women range from dealing with the boorish behavior of suitors to adhering to the daily demands of Penelope and Telemachus. During the years when the suitors settle in the royal house, many maids sleep with them. One of Odysseus' first nights in Ithaca, he lies "sleepless, his mind racing with thoughts of how to punish the suitors" (20:7-8). What he sees next are women coming out of their rooms to sleep with suitors, laughing and giggling. He feels his chest tighten and wonders whether he should "kill every last one of them" or "let them sleep with those arrogant bastards one last time" (20:9-16). We are reminded of this after Odysseus kills the suitors and orders Telemachus and two shepherds to force the handmaids to clean up his bloodbath and kill them. Telemachus says, “I will not permit a clean death for these women – / The suitors' sluts – who have heaped reproaches / Upon my head and my mother's.” While there are kings, veterans, and notable sailors who all play different roles in history, I would argue that men are not as differentiated in society as women are. The theme of women dominating the action in the story is furthered through the intricate relationships of Athena, Penelope, Calypso, and Circe with the male protagonists. Without Athena's push, Telemachus would likely not show dominance over the suitors or take the initiative to seek out his father as he does. Without Penelope's loyalty to Odysseus, Odysseus may consider his many options to be with new women and never return to Ithaca. Without the obstacles of Circe and Calypso, it would be more difficult for Odysseus to display his attributes of loyalty and intelligence. This interaction makes the epic more inspiring. Women with different social roles hold an indisputable power in Greek society that is impossible to obtain