Prompt: Write a paragraph essay including one theme from the Odyssey.
Because of the typical Greek stereotypes portrayed in the Odyssey men and women demonstrate their loyalty in contrasting ways. These ideals show how men have more freedom and power to do as they please, and women are expected to be supportive and loyal no matter what those decisions may be. It also shows the great double standards that Greek men and women are held to throughout the book and their lives. Although it may seem unfair Homer may be telling us more than who is loyal and who is not. Odysseus demonstrates his loyalty in a unique and strange way most people are not accustomed to. As he becomes bored with his latest mistress, Calypso, he begins to weep for his home and his old life. "His sweet life flowing away with the tears he wept for his foiled journey home since the nymph was no longer pleasing"(5.157.168-170). Many might question Odysseus's true loyalty in this situation by today's standards but to ancient Greeks this truly might have been a true act of faithfulness. Would Homer have chose to make his hero perform something socially unacceptable? To Homer and the Greeks Odysseus may have committed the ultimate act of loyalty by walking away from something so beautiful to go back to something old. Odysseus shows that for a man in Greek society as long as you do not go too far astray you will be welcomed back with luscious rewards. On the other hand Penelope is held too much stricter standards. The expectations to never stray from her husband and hold it together in the time of his certain death would create such a burden at times it would bring her to tears. On one of these occasions she said, "Hear me, dear ones! Zeus has given me torment--- / me above all the others born and bred in my day. / My lionhearted husband, lost, long years ago / "(4.147.814-186). Homer also portrays Penelope is a heroine by symbolizing her as a prefect Greek lady. It is shown through Penelope's actions that that women should never question the actions of their men and should stay faithful even after they have been absent for twenty years. She shows great deals of strength throughout the absence of her husband and sets an example for Greek women to follow. In the Odyssey Homer writes of what a perfect society should be. Men should answer their callings, even if that means leaving their family behind and will be rewarded on their return. Women should obey their spouses and stay faithful no matter what circumstance presents its self. And people who go against these role models will be punished with no mercy by the gods. This perfect social structure is carried out for Homer by Odysseus and Penelope in their different ways but ultimately achieved the goal of setting an example for all Greek people.
Homer's Depiction of Roles in Greek Society and Influence on Greek People
Because of the typical Greek stereotypes portrayed in the Odyssey men and women demonstrate their loyalty in contrasting ways. These ideals show how men have more freedom and power to do as they please, and women are expected to be supportive and loyal no matter what those decisions may be. It also shows the great double standards that Greek men and women are held to throughout the book and their lives. Although it may seem unfair Homer may be telling us more than who is loyal and who is not. Odysseus demonstrates his loyalty in a unique and strange way most people are not accustomed to. As he becomes bored with his latest mistress, Calypso, he begins to weep for his home and his old life. "His sweet life flowing away with the tears he wept for his foiled journey home since the nymph was no longer pleasing"(5.157.168-170). Many might question Odysseus's true loyalty in this situation by today's standards but to ancient Greeks this truly might have been a true act of faithfulness. Would Homer have chose to make his hero perform something socially unacceptable? To Homer and the Greeks Odysseus may have committed the ultimate act of loyalty by walking away from something so beautiful to go back to something old. Odysseus shows that for a man in Greek society as long as you do not go too far astray you will be welcomed back with luscious rewards. On the other hand Penelope is held too much stricter standards. The expectations to never stray from her husband and hold it together in the time of his certain death would create such a burden at times it would bring her to tears. On one of these occasions she said, "Hear me, dear ones! Zeus has given me torment--- / me above all the others born and bred in my day. / My lionhearted husband, lost, long years ago / "(4.147.814-186). Homer also portrays Penelope is a heroine by symbolizing her as a prefect Greek lady. It is shown through Penelope's actions that that women should never question the actions of their men and should stay faithful even after they have been absent for twenty years. She shows great deals of strength throughout the absence of her husband and sets an example for Greek women to follow. In the Odyssey Homer writes of what a perfect society should be. Men should answer their callings, even if that means leaving their family behind and will be rewarded on their return. Women should obey their spouses and stay faithful no matter what circumstance presents its self. And people who go against these role models will be punished with no mercy by the gods. This perfect social structure is carried out for Homer by Odysseus and Penelope in their different ways but ultimately achieved the goal of setting an example for all Greek people.
