While Ulysses was away, Penelope shunned opportunistic suitors with the oldest alibi in the book – she reiterated that a woman’s work is never done. As part of her ruse, Penelope spun a robe in the day, and as night fell, started to undo what she had completed in the day. Such repetitive housework was Penelope’s lifeline. It gave her a room of her own. Was Penelope doing work or housework? How would you differentiate the two?

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For me, this is not all about the work but it adamantly occurs in the garden, at the stove, by the laundry room, on the balcony, at the dressing table. It makes me wonder if such modes of thinking and working are gendered or if I am still harbouring the quaint desire of being an impeccable housewife? Does the crossover between work and housework affect the house as it does the work? In any case, are thoughts, words and images that germinate at the washing line different from those in the office?