1. Unraveling the Tapestry: Penelope works on a burial shroud for her father-in-law, Laertes, during the day and secretly unravels it at night. She claims that she will choose a suitor once the shroud is finished, but by continuously undoing her work, she delays her decision indefinitely.
2. The Archery Contest: Penelope agrees to marry the suitor who can string the bow of Odysseus and shoot an arrow through twelve axe heads. However, she sets the conditions so challenging that none of the suitors can successfully complete the task.
3. Dreams and Divine Signs: Penelope claims that she has received dreams and divine signs from the gods, indicating that Odysseus is still alive and will return to Ithaca. She uses these alleged messages as an excuse to delay making a choice among the suitors.
4. Seeking Guidance: Penelope seeks counsel from her son, Telemachus, and other trusted individuals, including the old nurse Eurycleia, to help her navigate the situation and find a way to honor Odysseus's memory while dealing with the persistent suitors.
5. Loyal Servants and Support: Penelope has the support of loyal servants like Eurycleia and other household members who remain faithful to Odysseus's memory and help her resist the suitors.
6. Emotional Detachment: Penelope maintains a reserved and emotionally distant attitude towards the suitors. She avoids engaging in intimate conversations or showing any signs of affection, discouraging their advances and keeping them at bay.
By employing these strategies and maintaining her unwavering hope in Odysseus's eventual return, Penelope manages to stall her suitors and remain unmarried for many years until Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca and reveals his true identity.