Many readers see a double standard in the Odyssey in which Odysseus has sexual and romantic adventures while Penelope is expected to be faithful. In contrast one might argue Penelope along with Aphrodite, Circe, Calypso, Helen, and Nausicaa demonstrate sexual and romantic independence. The paper should discuss the story of Aphrodite and Ares in the Odyssey 8.250-370 as the theoretical framework for the analysis of sexual ethics in the Odyssey. The thesis should defend whether or not women have sexual and romantic agency in the Odyssey. Test the thesis by devoting half the paper to defending the opposing position. The conclusion of the paper should revise the thesis in light of the arguments raised in the section where the thesis is tested.