Loyalty as Defined in the Odyssey Essay - 946 Words

Loyalty, as defined in the Odyssey seems to be the constant devotion to someone, the hopefully longing of their return and victory. Homer seems to value loyalty over many of the other human traits, as Eumaeus gets not only Homer’s famous â€Å"you† but his own book as well. The swineherd is not the only character that Homer uses to show loyalty, Penelope and Telemachus show unyielding faithfulness to Odysseus throughout the epic poem; as do many other characters even gods. Homer demonstrates the value he places on loyalty through the use of these characters with their devotion to Odysseus. Through the use of these characters Homer shows the value of loyalty by their loyalty to Odysseus. Telemachus shows unwavering devotion to a man he does†¦show more content†¦One of the first times Homer introduces the radiant woman she is weeping of Odysseus, this happens over and over in the epic poem. Though it has been years Penelope continues to grieve and hope for Odyss eus. Through Eumaeus the read finds out that not only does she grieve for him but she actively seeks information about him. â€Å"Why, any tramp washed up on Ithaca’s shores/ scurries right to my mistress, babbling lies/ and she ushers him in, kindly, pressing for details/ and the warm tears of grief come trickling down her cheeks/ the loyal wife’s way when her husband’s died abroad.†(pg. 305; 147 – 151) â€Å"The loyal wife’s way,† Penelope not only presses for information but does so in a way that everyone sees how strong and loyal she is to Odysseus. However her active grieving is not the only way Penelope shows her loyalty, suggesting that Homer believes loyalty to be complete devotion. Penelope also spurs the suitors as much as she can; begging for time, making promises she never intends to keep. Such is the case with the shroud that she weaves by day and unweaves at night, saying that she will re-marry as soon as she has finishe d it. (pg. 395) Not only does Penelope scheme away but she also claims that without Odysseus she is nothing like her former self, â€Å"what praise I’d won the deathless gods destroyed that day the Achaeans/ sailed away to Troy, my husband on their ships, /† (pg. 383 281-Show MoreRelatedThe Codes Of Fidelity And Hospitality In Modern Society706 Words   |  3 Pagesit was very essential to follow codes of behavior. In the first half of odyssey there are several codes of behavior spotted like hospitality, vengenance, fidelity, household loyalty, and reverence. The particular types of codes of behavior that will be discussed in this essay are fidelity and hospitality. Hospitality is an important aspect in society where guests are treated as though they were god. Fidelity code is loyalty between husband and wife being loyal to each other. Both codes will be takenRead MoreOdyssey Code Of Behavior Essay808 Words   |  4 Pagesexpected to follow. 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Loyalty is a broadRead MoreThe Odyssey And The Symposium1620 Words   |  7 Pagesindulging in some of the â€Å"great books† that include The Odyssey and The Symposium, I can say that these readings, without a doubt, can and will influence and shape the way we understand our lives. This essay will defend the notion that these â€Å"great books,† The Symposium; The poems: Ulysses, Ithaka and Penelope are considered to be fundamentally vital to the human condition. These great readings take us on a journey, a journey of love, loyalty, Perseverance, faith, and the goodness of life. The stories