Homer's Odyssey: Vengeance And Justice

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Huyen Nguyen Ms. Wilson English 213, Blk 1 November 24, 2015 Odyssey Response Paper #2 Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged. In the Odyssey, by Homer, vengeance and justice go hand in hand in rationalizing one's actions. Poseidon covers his need for vengeance on Odysseus by stating justice must be served for his son, Polyphemus, whom Odysseus blinds. Odysseus also has a need for personal vengeance on the suitors for taking over his home; however, Odysseus justifies his actions by requiring justice for his home and wife instead of for himself. Justice in the ancient Greek system covers the desire for personal vengeance. Poseidon, as a father, has to protect his son, although …show more content…

The key word in this quote is “grudge”. In the context of the …show more content…

While Odysseus was gone, the suitors came and disrespected the home of Odysseus with showing little hospitality. Hospitality in ancient Greece is a large principle of the culture and not being good guest is one wrong. Odysseus states, “‘So Hard beset! An end like Agamemnon’s might very likely have been mine, a bad end, bleeding to death in my own hall. You forestalled it goddess, by telling me how the land lies. Wave me a way to pay them back!’” (Homer, 242). Odysseus believes that he could have ended up similar to Agamemnon and have gotten killed on his return home; however, Odysseus plans to prevent this outcome by returning with a need for personal revenge. He states, “Wave me a way to pay them back!” which proves that he wants revenge, not just justice. Telemachus realizes his father’s desire for revenge and states, “ I fear we pay in salt blood for your vengeance. Odysseus then replies, “Look on, hold down your ander. You may even please with them, by heaven! in gentle terms to quit their horseplay-not that they will heed you, rash as they are, facing day of wrath,” (Homer 298). Odysseus response is how he is justifying his actions. He tells Telemachus that he believes that the suitors are irresponsible and playing around, which is why they must take action. He believes they should pay for the wrong they have caused within the palace,

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