The Two Penny's

 Character Parallel 2: The Wives

Penelope in J. Waterhouse's painting titled
Penelope & the Suitors

Holly Hunter playing Penny McGill in
the film

• Odysseus' wive is called Penelope whilst Ulysses is known as Penny, a shortened version of Penelope
•  Odysseus is set the impossible task of burying an oar where men no nothing of boats to be able to see Penelope again whilst Penny sets Everett (Ulysses) the impossible task of retrieving her wedding ring from the valley if they are to get married. 
• Both Wives do no recognise their respective husbands when they are disguised, Odysseus as a beggar and Everett as a homeless man.
• Penny though is not the faithful wife Penelope was and divorces Everett whilst he is in prison and is soon to be wed to another man.