A Tainted Homecoming
Homecoming is a theme that gives shape to the Odyssey, the Oresteia, and Oedipus the King. Nostos defines the specific dilemma that each returning character must face. The return home is made in many different ways: proudly, secretively, righteously; each method being met with a particular result. These works seem to define the way in which one should return home and how the actions that have preceded one’s homecoming can deeply affect how one is received. Moreover, we see that the choices of action that were made as well as the soundness of character in the individual influences the level of success enjoyed upon arrival. In these works the traditionally joyous homecoming is skewed by what has occurred during the character’s absence, and indeed, by human frailty. For Odysseus, home is represented by Ithaca. The philia he feels for his son and his wife is strong throughout his long absence and his desire to return home even overwhelms his desire to continue to travel the world. Throughout the poem, however, the stories of homecoming serve as a reminder to the audience that it is wise to exert caution upon his return home. The disaster surrounding the bold homecoming of Agamemnon functions as backgrou . . .
Agamemnon’s homecoming explained in the Oresteia is fraught with his character flaws. Much like Orestes, Oedipus’ notion of home is also distorted through the wrongdoing of those who came before him. Orestes’ problematic homecoming is different than Agamemnon’s, in that it is triggered not by his own weakness, but by that of his mother’s. Here we see how one irrational action produces a reaction which is unfavorable. Odysseus’ return home was full of violence. Firstly, he returns home pride fully proclaiming that the war over, what the chorus calls “a promiscuous woman (Helen),” was righteous and good, neglecting to mourn those who died brutally on the battlefield. For most of the play, Oedipus is only able to see outside of himself and not within, his second home. As a result, there is nearly a war between Odysseus and the suitor’s relatives. For instance, will Odysseus’ homecoming be greeted with malice? Has his wife betrayed him as well (with one of her many suitors)? Will Telemachus prove as loyal to him as Orestes was to Agamemnon? These questions seem to define Odysseus’ homecoming and accompany his decision to return home in disguise and discover for himself who is truly loyal to him. It is this desire for vengeance that distorts Orestes’ view of his home. Oedipus’ notion of home is untrue because it is based on his false image of himself. Teiresias tells Oedipus “You have your eyes but see not where you are in sin, nor where you live, nor whom you live with. Cassandra is a representation of Agamemnon’s lust and her presence only aggravates Clytamnestra further, making her desire vengeance all the more. (Line 413/414)” Bizarrely, Oedipus’ homecoming is really an exodus which allows him to exist with knowledge of himself and his deeds. This fact is present throughout all of these works.
Common topics in this essay:
Calypso Continually, King Nostos, Orestes Agamemnon, Orestes Oedipus, Aegisthos Orestes, Bizarrely Oedipus, return home, Homecoming Homecoming, view home, odysseus homecoming, desire vengeance, weakness character, orestes oedipus, oedipus notion home, character flaws, discover truly, notion home, nor live, |
Acceptance Essays
