Homer's "Odyssey"

Analytical Essay # 16667

English > Analysis
Literature > Greek and Roman
Literature > Poetry

Homer's "Odyssey"

A discussion of the moral values of Homer's "Odyssey".

2,038 words () | 5 sources | APA | 2002 Australia

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the different moral values presented in the epic poem, "The Odyssey" by Homer and the ways in which these values are presented through some of the characters. It shows that while the "Odyssey" is indeed a moral epic, the moral position of the main characters themselves, namely Odysseus and the Gods, can at times be questionable. It evaluates how the "Odyssey" seems to portray the idea that obstacles and hardship arise out of moral weakness, self-control is overwhelmingly important and sufferings come about when a person gives in to temptation as well as love and the importance of family and home.

From the Paper:

"Another moral element present in the poem is "dike". Justice. In the end, evil will be punished. Good will triumph. Odysseus murders all the suitors and his disloyal servants. It has often been debated whether his actions were justified. Based on the moral value of "dike", the poet obviously meant the murders to be justified. Evil must be punished, and what better way than to have evil punished by good. The suitors had broken many moral laws. They courted the wife of a great hero, made themselves at home in his palace, ate his food, slept with his servants and conspired to kill his son. They had to receive their punishment, their "nemesis"- retribution from the Gods. "