Summary

In Chapter I, "A Low Art," Penelope begins narrating from the underworld, relaying to the reader a set of newly discovered truths about what actually happened on earth, thousands of years prior. Though most people believe her husband Odysseus's version of events, his story is not entirely true. As a spirit, she realizes now who Odysseus really is, and how much of his deceitfulness she chose to ignore. Hearing Odysseus's mythic story repeated also shows her just how little people think of her character. She feels this is finally her opportunity to speak for herself and tell her own story.

In Chapter II, "The Chorus Line: A Rope-Jumping Rhyme," Penelope's 12 murdered maids address 10 stanzas of a chorus line to their former mistress. In the song they blame Penelope for their death, for looking on as they were killed and doing nothing...