The Woman Behind the Man The word loyalty was first used in the English language in late fourteenth century Europe, but the concept has been around much longer. The three stories The Odyssey, The Count of Monte Cristo, and The Alchemist—and their main characters Odysseus, Edmond Dantes, and Santiago, respectively—use, highlight, and value the theme of loyalty as it relates to the relationship between husband and wife. The following will compare the relationship between the aforementioned characters and their romantic partners, how those relationships impacted and spurred their Hero's Journeys and personalities, and the various emotions stirred up in the process. Odysseus and Penelope’s relationship is different from the other two in several ways. They are the oldest couple, are more trusting and open with each other, and exhibit more traditional man-and-wife roles. While Odysseus was away, Penelope revealed to be intelligent and cunning. Despite that, Odysseus treated her like a possession. His main fault was pride, shown when he reunited with Penelope as the beggar and boasted …show more content…
At that time Fernand Mondego hid his animosity towards Edmond so the three friends were very close. After Edmond returned as the count he was distant and cold towards Mercedes until their reconciliation when he was again loving, if more protective. Similar to Odysseus, Edmond viewed Mercedes as a possession, one whom he believed he had lost and had betrayed him. When Edmond discovered Mercedes and Fernand’s relationship and her perceived betrayal he became vengeful. His discovery of their relationship was the reason for the loss of his naiveté. That is one of his major turning points when he decided to get revenge on not only the people who sent him to prison but also the last person he thought he could trust and was the last thing he felt he had: “Do not rob me of my hate—it’s all I