How does Margaret Atwood transform source material in the Penelopiad

Penelope is more bitter.

Explanation:

This is one of the differences between Penelope in The Odyssey and Penelope in The Penelopiad. In Atwood's novella, Penelope is able to have a "modern" perspective on the events that happen in The Odyssey. This perspective allows her to question many aspects of her life she had not questioned before. Penelope reflects on the conflicts she had with her parents, the difficulties of her marriage to Odysseus and her opinion of Helen of Troy. All of these thoughts often make Penelope sound more "bitter," particularly when compared to Penelope in The Odyssey who was extremely accepting.