Penelope was loyal to Odysseus, while trying not to offend the rude suitors. Given his prolonged dalliances with the goddesses Circe and Kalypso, wouldn’t “serial philanderer” be a more appropriate epithet? This dependence, and Penelope’s worthiness of it, draws a praiseworthy response from Odysseus: despite (and even in the midst of) his dalliances, he longs for home. First, they were disrespectful to him and his household, especially the first ones he and his son target with arrows and spear. My students often blush at the irony of the image of Odysseus' marriage bed for Odysseus himself hardly deserves the appellation “faithful" - but is there more to it than meets the eye? It is unclear whether the usage of \"you\" here by Homer is a mere rhetorical device, or if the poem is in some regard anchoring the reader to the story by assigning them the role of Eumaeus in the text. In other words, it invites them to relate to the world presented in the poem personally. Odysseus is loyal to Penelope in some ways, though not in others. She was able to prove her loyalty to her husband through her faithfulness and cunning plans that held her off from marrying a different man. If being faithful means being trustworthy, then despite Homer’s epithets to the contrary, Odysseus comes up short, at least as concerns his marriage bed. On the one hand, Homer teaches us to exalt Odysseus and Penelope as the embodiment of faithfulness. As his faithful wife, she waited twenty years for him to come home. I hope they learn to depend, like Odysseus, on Someone whose steadfast love draws them inevitably to a triumphant homecoming, and who has prepared a place for their souls to rest. So pretty much Odyyseus is trying to find out who isn’t all that corrupted and is still loyal to him. In Homer's Odyssey one can see loyalty in many forms. Determination and persistence are two qualities that Odysseus and Penelope share. Odysseus’s struggle to return to this bed and his slaughter of the usurpers who would take his place there form a satisfying climax to one of history’s greatest stories. The faithful one depends for his identity on the work of another. “But Odysseus yearns to see even the smoke rising from his native land and longs for death.” (pg 10) When Odysseus was trapped by Calypso, he was full of distress because he couldn’t go back to his homeland, Ithaca. He also is loyal when he goes and rescues them from Circe. Odysseus chooses mortal suffering and imperfection over divine tranquility. In most ways, Odysseus and Penelope’s concern for marriage looks a lot like ours. The lotus plants provided an excellent, relaxing feeling for all of the crew, and no one wanted to leave except for Odysseus who stayed his … Odysseus with his wife and son still in mind took the sea once more and proceeded home. Just as Penelope trusts that he will return to save his family and his city, so Odysseus trusts that Penelope is waiting for him. He persevered even though his crew had died. Adam Andrews is director of Center For Lit and a homeschooling father of six. Second, they were disloyal to Odysseus as ruler of Ithaca in their attempts to displace him by taking his wife. “Nothing is better than this, or more steadfast,” Odysseus says, “that when two people, a man and his wife, keep a harmonious household…” (6.182) The fact is, Odysseus’s actions on the islands of Circe and Kalypso give the lie to his own words. As Stephanie Coontz has pointed out, the idea of marriage as a partnership based on romantic love is a product of the 18th century: Marital love in Greek society was not thought of as an enduring romantic and emotional bond between two equals, with sexual fidelity a mark… The only act that makes someone faithful by this definition is believing in, or depending on, someone else. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Although he has been wandering away from home for almost twenty years, the only thing that keeps him alive is the thought of his wife and son that are back at home waiting How can he deserve our praise when his sexual conduct seems to mock the very idea of faithfulness? Odysseus was warned by Hermes (his grandfather) that the only protection against Circe's magic was the herb Moly. He appears to be unfaithful by any definition, ancient, Christian, or otherwise. My students, however, often blush at the irony of this image, for Odysseus himself hardly deserves the appellation “faithful,” at least as concerns the marriage bed. Telemachus was loyal to a father whom he only knew from the stories he had been told. Odysseus exhibits a lack of loyalty to his wife and son. The cleansing of the palace in the final chapters of the story bears witness to the gravity of the threat that the suitors pose by disregarding Odysseus’s marriage. Odysseus had all these traits, and showed it multiple times through out his journey. The problem, on the other hand, is that Odysseus seems to disregard it himself! Odysseus is a man that can be described as tenacious. He depends on it utterly. His good name, it turns out, doesn’t depend on his performance, but on the vicarious action of those in whom he trusts. He and is wife Missy are the authors of Teaching the Classics: a Socratic Method for Literary Education, which presents a step-by-step method for teaching literature in grades K-12. He is brave, loyal and very clever. ...In Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, friends and family of Odysseus show great loyalty to him. Nevertheless I long—I pine, all my days— to travel home and see the dawn of my return. I hope they learn to wait, like Penelope, on a husband who hastens home to give them a royal name and a kingly inheritance. Odysseus's grief and tears show that his memory of home has not faded; though Calypso has forced him into the role of a husband, he remains loyal at heart to his wife. In the Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus went on a journey and cheated on his wife Penelope. Odysseus is a hero because he is loyal, compassionate, and cunning. How loyal were the characters to each other? After 10 years at war, and 10 years of traveling home, Odysseus is finally home at Ithaca but before he can officially return to his household, he must kick the suitors out of his house. Odysseus respects Athena for her help in his return therefore showing that he can be humble towards others, especially the gods. Of course - he could have stayed with Circe as well. (Eumaios:) ‘[…] any vagrant who makes his way to the land of Ithaka goes to my mistress and babbles his lies to her, and she then receives him well and entertains him and asks him everything, and as she mourns him the tears run down from her eyes, since this is the right way for a wife when her husband has perished.’ (14.126-130) Odysseus shows loyalty like Telemakhos and Penelope to the gods and his family. The marriage bed of Odysseus and Penelope gives us one of the most powerful images in Homer’s Odyssey. Information about your device and internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps. For instance, he is not sexually faithful to her because he does sleep with both Circe and … What does “faithful” really mean? When Circe realised she had no power over Odysseus, she offered to … In their marriage, and in the struggle they endure to preserve it, we see Ithakan society, or Greek society – even human society – in microcosm. Penelope herself exhibits this kind of faithfulness as well. He has no plan B should he arrive to find his throne despoiled. Telemachus, his son, goes on a journey to find his father. This idea of faithfulness boils down to a reliance on the other, rather than an ordering of the self. The mission of the CiRCE Institute is to support teachers and parents who want to cultivate wisdom and virtue in their students through the truths of Christian classical education. Odysseus is the king of Ithaca, he left for Troy to fight the Trojans because Paris, a Trojan, kidnapped Helen a Geek. Odysseus was unfaithful to Penelope twice. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. By its definition loyalty means a feeling of support or allegiance to someone or something. All Odysseus wants is to return home to his kingdom, wife, and son. HI think you could use the example of Odysseus's elaborate plan to defeat the suitors -- while it is obviously all regaining his kingdom -- it is also about proving his wife's loyalty, his son's worthiness and his servants' loyalty (extended family) and in kind -- he is proving his loyalty to them and his fitness to rule again.. The most loyal was Penelope. Dec. 2, 2020. This concludes his journey. In Book 14, Odysseus sees a ‘loyal man’ named Eumaeus. Her name is traditionally associated with marital fidelity, as she is known for her fidelity to Odysseus, to whom she is married, despite having many suitors while he was absent. It is Penelope’s constancy that makes Odysseus weep, drawing his heart ever homeward to his rightful throne. Odysseus, with the help of Telemachus, slays the suitors for two main reasons. In the end, I hope they discover the Good News that His gifts include faith itself, for He always creates what He requires. Odysseus, with the help of Telemachus, slays the suitors for two main reasons. Such a question presupposes that the Greeks had a concept of marital love and fidelity similar to ours, which they didn't. In the spiritual sense Odysseus is a hero, because he remains faithful and loyal to his wife and household. The Main theme of the Odyssey is to have perseverance. Odysseus, we will see, rejects eternal life with Calypso to return to his beloved—but mortal—wife, Penelope. Odysseus showed a strong sense of respect to the gods, and they helped him overcome difficult obstacles. He is always focused on one objective and that is to get home. Regardless of intent, the effect of the language, particularly in modern times, is notable in that it gives the reader stake and place in a world that might otherwise feel too foreign to be relatable. would not make sense to the people of ancient Greece. The Gathering Place (Apprentices & Mentors), A Brief Introduction to Classical Education, Remote vs. Home Learning: What Else the Coronavirus Means for Classical Schools, Give Children with Autism What They Really Need. Odysseus is loyal to the gods whom he realized held his life in their hands. He is persistent and overcomes any temptation that gets in his way. “Nothing is better than this, or more steadfast,” Odysseus says, “that when two people, a man and his wife, keep a harmonious household…” (6.182) The fact is, Odysseus’s actions on the islands of Circe and Kalypso give the lie to his own words. The first time he was disloyal to Penelope was at Circe's hall. Athena follows this story by adding that Odysseus is ‘ingenious’ and explains to Odysseus that she has seen through his visage. His future rests in Penelope’s hands, as hers rests in his. She is Homer's example of the perfect Greek wife and mother in her patient loyalty of 20 years: Telemachus: Son of Odysseus … | Certified Educator Odysseus is loyal to his crew and brave when it comes to treating them fairly. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. It is not the presence of correct conduct, but rather the absence of other resources. Odysseus wants to test his servants and his wife before he reveals his identity because while he was gone his house has been infiltrated by a bunch of suitors, and they has corrupted his house and servants. The opinions and arguments of our contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute or its leadership. Odysseus’s own behavior, questionable as it may seem to modern readers, cannot therefore make him unfaithful; he is faithful because he depends upon Penelope. Eumaeus and Philoetius was just very loyal and true servants. In this epic is four major examples that convey loyalty, which is shown by Penelope, Telemachus, the servants, and Odysseus. They have a point, of course. He is also a convincing, articulate speaker and can win over or manipulate his audience with ease. The reason why the marriage of Odysseus lasted is because Penelope was a very talented wife and Odysseus was a man worthy of her. Lindsay LaRoche Topics in Literature Dr. Ruth Benander 2 October 2012 Penelope Although Odysseus is the obvious hero when reading The Odyssey, his wife Penelope personifies heroic qualities as well. Yahoo is part of Verizon Media. He appears to be unfaithful by any definition, ancient, Christian, or otherwise. Odysseus is an example. Odysseus also is able to see if his wife has remained loyal to him after all these years. Blog. Center For Lit offers curriculum materials and support for parents, teachers and readers at www.centerforlit.com. According to The Odyssey by Homer, hero’s are depicted as people who are loyal, compassionate, and smart. This has troubling implications for readers, leading them to condemn Homer for inconsistency or sloppiness, or a lack of concern for detail. He is king of Ithaca: Penelope: She is the faithful, loyal wife of Odysseus. Odysseus was also very loyal to his home, Ithaca and to his wife, Penelope. She draws her identity not from her own stratagems, but from Odysseus and the hope of his homecoming, over which she has absolutely no control. “I am what you do in my behalf,” he says. They are both strong willed leaders and loyal to those they care about and those who work for them. Why your go-to-market strategy should be industry focused This can be scary, but also comforting, depending on whom we trust. Is Odysseus Truly Loyal Has someone you know ever gone on a trip or journey and has not been loyal? Also, Odysseus and his men came in contact with the lotus-eaters. One common reply to this problem is to note that ancient Greek concepts of marital fidelity were obviously quite different from modern Christian ones, and to warn students against reading their own ideas of morality back into a foreign period. All Penelope wants is for her husband to return home and their family to be reunited. Penelope’s loyalty was established through true love. I hope my students learn this kind of faithfulness from Homer’s Odyssey. The Odyssey Athena (Minerva) Jobs & Education Greek and Roman Mythologies Trending Questions It can mean “trusting,” or it can mean “trustworthy.”. Odysseus’s quick thinking helps him out of some very tough situations, as when he escapes from the cave of the Cyclops in Book 9, or when he hides his slaughter of the suitors by having his minstrel strike up a wedding tune in Book 23. This understanding of “faithfulness” allows my students to hear Odysseus wailing for his homeland from Kalypso’s island without blushing at the irony. Some readers call her a secondary character because of this lack of initiative, but with respect to the marriage that is such a central theme of the Odyssey, her inertia is the essence of her faithfulness. In fact, you could argue that as concerns his marriage, “trust” is the assumption behind his entire journey. On the other hand, if being faithful means having faith – trusting in another – then things make a lot more sense, for Odysseus has this quality in abundance. Maybe the problem is not a clash of ancient and modern ideas about marital fidelity, but a clash of simple definitions. Two opposite senses of the word jump immediately to mind. Mark on a RED DODGE said, Carved from a living olive tree still rooted in the ground, it symbolizes the centrality of marriage to the health and preservation of a good society. She waits for Odysseus like a pillar in his house (1.333) All her actions are negative: she declines to finish the burial shroud; she declines to move the marriage bed; she declines another proposal of marriage. Furthermore, he is shown as compassionate and a loyal family man “his heart set on his wife”, which implies that he is a devoted husband and very loving and caring. It is always worth being reminded that the world runs on faith, and that in the final analysis, we are not what we do; rather, we are who we depend on. The loyalty can be seen through the commitment Penelope, faith of Odysseus' servants, and his dog, Argos', patience. An example of this is when Odysseus see Elpinor at Hades and goes back to the island to burry him. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. Telemachus showed his loyalty by going on a search for his father he hardly knew to establish a relationship. In a poem whose main theme is homecoming and whose message praises loyalty and steadfastness – faithfulness, in a word – this is not a minor quibble. If Odysseus was a true epic hero, Odysseus would have remained faithful to his wife no matter how long he was away as she did to him. First, they were disrespectful to him and his household, especially the first ones he and his son target with arrows and spear. This is a timeline of Odysseus' Journey From Ithaca to the Trojan War Then Back Home by: Emilia Irovic Odysseus is finally home with his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus. Odysseus: This epic is the story of his journey home from the Trojan war. Civilization is a stake, Homer seems to say. To begin with, the question Has Odysseus been unfaithful to his wife? Your gift enables this work. Second, they were disloyal to Odysseus as ruler of Ithaca in their attempts to displace him by taking his wife. Penelope is the wife of Odysseus; she does not remarry while he is away. I wonder if this definition might also help my students navigate their own homeward journeys. Odysseus is a loyal man in more than one way. He help them and they helped him. Loyalty was shown by Odysseus in that he was very loyal to his crew.