The Odyssey: Illustrates the Codes of Behavior
Homer's Odyssey clearly illustrates the codes of behavior to which society was expected to adhere. Throughout the text, the fates of characters are driven by their ability to adhere to the codes. Those who do not adhere, such as Aegisthus whose story is related in Book I (lines 30-43) and again in Books III and IV, or the suitors when they ultimately meet their fate, are punished severely and these consequences are illustrated clearly. One of the most prominent codes illustrated in the first six books is with regards to giving kindness to strangers. This is evidenced in Book I (100-150) in Telemachus' greeting of Mentes, who is Athena in disguise. The code of behavior dictates that strangers should be received with kindness and an open home. They should be offered food, drink and rest first, before the discussion of business. As Menelaus addresses Telemachus and Peisistratus (Book IV, 60) "Help yourselves, enjoy your food. And once you've had your meal, we'll ask who you are." Further, as Mentes is leaving, Telemachus offers his home. Mentes respond
For the stranger's part, they should not take advantage of the offer of limitless hospitality. Men would be responsible for making lavish sacrifices to the gods, to curry their favor and protection, and to thank them for that which they received. This passage is followed immediately by a section where Telemachus tells Mentes about the rudeness of the suitors, to illustrate poor behavior in contrast to his own. Respect for the gods is an oft-repeated code of conduct in the Odyssey. At the beginning of Book III we find the citizens of Pylos making sacrifices to Poseidon, and Peisistratus implores Athena to do the same (40-50). The examples used to illustrate this code show that the aged are wise, and have built that wisdom on a lifetime of accomplishments, and that is the source of the respect that they should be accorded. As many of the strangers in the Odyssey are gods or nobles, the lesson is that you should be kind of everyone, because you never know with whom are you dealing. The gods have much influence over the fate of men, should they so desire, therefore reverence must be accorded them. s by saying he must leave, but mentions the giving of a gift. This is a central theme, related in Penelope's unweaving of the loom in order to delay choosing a suitor; in Telemachus' search for his father; and in Book V in Odysseus' sorrows on Calypso's isle. In Book II we see at the meeting of noble Ithacans the disrespect that the suitors show for the older generation. Book V relates the value of loyalty, that it must drive one's behavior. Both of these themes are reinforced at line 230 of Book III where, after Telemachus is somewhat dismissive to Nestor about even the gods being able to bring Odysseus home, Athena sharply rebukes him. The loyalty to ones kin and good friends is less explicitly stated that other codes of behavior but is a strong overriding theme in the Odyssey, and drives much of the story.
Common topics in this essay:
Book IV,
III Telemachus,
Book II,
Pylos Sparta,
Book Odysseus',
Poseidon Peisistratus,
III IV,
Homer's Odyssey,
Mentor Athena,
Mentes Athena,
kindness strangers,
codes behavior,
athena disguise,
limitless hospitality,
book iii,
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Acceptance Essays
