The Odyssey by Homer is an exemplary story that teaches life lessons to those going on a journey for themselves. It illustrates how the challenges and obstacles one may face can help someone become a better leader. The Odyssey highlights one man, Odysseus, a man filled with excessive pride, experiencing the wrath of the god Poseidon. He expects to arrive at his home, Ithaca, safely to reunite with his wife, Penelope, but unfortunately faces many temptations and setbacks. Due to the challenges he faces, it prevents him from arriving home as early as he thought he would.
The pathos and ethos of cultures is often discernable in literary narratives as expressions of the sentiment of approval or disapproval. Thus, the impact of literary narratives on cultures cannot be understated; the arts do impact and influence culture in both positive and negative ways. This is not a new phenomenon and can be observed in cultures as early as 6 Century B.C. and can be traced throughout human history. An example of this can be seen in Homer’s Odyssey, in which there are certain characters within the narrative that portray what is known as “arete.” Arete is viewed as a desirable character trait which some define as the display of perseverance, quick-wittedness, prowess, valor, etc.
In The Odyssey, the author Homer writes a fascinating epic poem. It all began when Helen the queen of Sparta was kidnapped. Her husband sent an army of great warriors behind her, including Odysseus. A 10 year war was fought between the trojans and Odysseus’ army. It ended when the greek army retreated leaving only the finest warriors behind, led by Odysseus they hid in a wooden horse that at in front of the trojans gate.
Hospitality and kindness played a major role in Greek society and this is clear throughout Homer’s writing. In his epic, The Odyssey, Homer creates two groups, those who are kind and hospitable, and those who are not. Those who are hospitable are respected and thought highly off, while those who violate the laws of kindness eventually end up punished. During his long and treacherous journey back home to Ithica, Odysseus experiences many forms of hospitality. Some of these shows of hospitality are need and generous, while others are not.
The Ancient Greeks are known for their emphasis on values integral to their society. Among the five fundamental values, glory, loyalty, intelligence, bravery, and hospitality, this essay will focus on analyzing the value of hospitality. Hospitality was an essential element of Ancient Greek culture, and its significance can be found in various works of literature from the time. Throughout the text, the value of hospitality is demonstrated in various ways, including the treatment of guests, the concept of xenia, and the consequences of violating hospitality.
But, who could become a seer and what was his social status? Homer addresses a number of great manteis and all of them appear to have descended from exalted generations of manteis. If he did not explain directly that seers belonged to the demiurgic workers class, along with craftsmen and fishermen, we would easily identify them as part of the aristocracy; for they appear to be extraordinary figures in Homer, just as his heroes are . Withal, Solon listed manteis in the same social class as Homer did . However, there might have been a diversification between historical manteis of the upper class and those that came from lower classes regarding their credibility and intentions .
From Odysseus’ time with Calypso in Ogygia up until the moment he takes back his home and wife from the suitors in Ithaca, the struggles he faces help answer what makes for a good life. Homer uses Odysseus’ journey throughout “The Odyssey” to identify four aspects of a good life: mortality, honor, hospitality, and experiences. Homer reveals that mortality is necessary for a good life when Odysseus denies the opportunity for immortality that Calypso offers, he shows the significance of honor in his description of Odysseus’ bravery in the Trojan war and the consequent respect that Odysseus’ crew has for him, Homer reinforces the importance of hospitality in each city Odysseus travels to, and he conveys that experiences, good or bad, define a good life. The Greeks held their gods in high esteem and therefore when Homer or other characters in the epic refer to Odysseus as being “godlike,” this is one of the highest compliments he could receive.
Homer, by presenting multiple heroes in aristéia, demonstrates nature as both inferior and superior to culture, with the
In Homer’s, The Odyssey, the traits of an ideal Greek man is described many times over. Often times, Homer indirectly illustrates these characteristics through the qualities of men who do not appear to be ideal. Zeus relates the traits of an unideal man: “Greed and folly . . . stole his wife and killed the soldier on his homecoming day”(2). Zeus’s description of Agisthos, the man who had an affair with a king’s wife and killed him after he returned from the Trojan war, chastises this behavior, he indirectly teaches men the characteristics of a quintessential man.
It can be seen as a trend throughout history that stories reflect a society’s culture and values. One of the most memorable and inspirational civilization that made a substantial contribution to literature was Greece. Sophocles, a renowned Greek playwright, is beloved for his dramatic and action-filled plays that effectively satisfied the ancient audience. In Sophocles’ tragic play, Oedipus the King, the main character, Oedipus finds difficulty proclaiming his purpose against the fate bestowed upon him by the gods. Alongside his struggling, the values and cultural aspects of the Greeks emerge, reflecting their views on society during that time period at which the play was produced.
Double standards exist everywhere you go. In society, women and men are held to different standards. Whether it comes to strength, leadership, or appearance, they affect everything and everyone. These contrasting principles also apply to sexual fidelity. Often, men are praised and looked up to to having many sexual relationships.
A Homeric leader has to have strength, courage and is of noble birth. Odysseus is considered to be a Homeric leader for he possesses all these traits. A hero is also to have confidence in his abilities and in his authority. Odysseus leads his men with confidence so that they too can have the courage and strength it will take to get them home.
Homer, Hesiod and the Epistemological Tradition Homer’s and Hesiod’s epic poems do not contain a philosophical system. Epic narrators are no critical thinkers whose purpose is to compare and analyse conflicting views on the origins of the world as well as on human nature, ethics and religion, searching for most adequate answers. Still, Homer and Hesiod have a philosophical value and can be integrated into a philosophical debate. Even if we limit our analysis to their role in the tradition of Greek philosophy, we have to admit their importance for several authors, starting with Xenophanes and Heraclites.
Determining the difference between right and wrong can be difficult, but life lessons help us figure it out. During The Odyssey, by Homer, Odysseus learns a few lessons, and one of them is that you should be aware of your surroundings and ready to use them. Another moral that he learned was to heed all warnings, regardless what your instincts say. These messages can be used in life today to help guide people during their lives.
The Ancient Greeks value specific qualities in a person, however they did not value other. Ancient Greeks valued these qualities based on certain achievements or on a performances in war or even inside the city walls making substantial decisions. The Iliad is an epic novel by the Greek poet Homer. The Iliad is based off of the Trojan war between the Achaeans led by King Agamemnon and the Trojans led by King Priam of Troy. This novel focuses on the actions of several characters and how the disparate gods interfered with the war to help one or the other side have a chance to win.
