The Role Of Disrespected Women In Homer's 'Odyssey'

Final Exam

Arveen Mayordomo

CLAS 2520 D01

Student Number: 7695759

Although Jason and Heracles both accomplished amazing feats, the way they treated women would make them the worst heroes in Greece because they besmirched the sanctity of marriage and disrespected women. Jason abandoned Medea, who loved him and sacrificed many things for his success, and Heracles was unfaithful and defiled many women in Greece, using them for his own pleasure. Although Odysseus had an affair with two other women, he can still be considered the best hero as he treated women with respect and relentlessly attempted to return home to his wife in Ithaca. As he was tempted by two beautiful and powerful women, he is considered to be the most loyal out of all the

Throughout the ten years of The Odyssey, Odysseus was determined to come home to his wife and son in Ithaca. During this journey he met two beautiful women, Calypso and Circe. Odysseus was forced to stay with Calypso, and was seduced by Circe. Both the nymph and sorceress were depicted as beautiful in Homer’s The Odyssey. However Odysseus chose to stay with his wife and take the difficult journey back to Ithaca. This illustrated his devotion for Penelope. Another primary evidence that supports how he loved his wife was that Calypso offered him immortality in exchange for his company. Odysseus chose to live a mortal life with a mere human over an eternal life with a beautiful nymph. Although Odysseus had an affair with Calypso, it can be understood that he was forced to do so, as the nymph would not allow his leave. Even during the seven years in Ogygia, Odysseus relentlessly searched for a way to escape in order to be reunited with his wife. Penelope also proved her faith to Odysseus, as she delayed her suitors advances back in Ithaca. The characteristic which makes Odysseus the most respectful and loving hero is his loyalty to his wife Penelope. His love for his human wife transcends the temptations of an alluring sorceress and a beautiful

The many endeavors he faced such as escaping from land of the lotus eater, and outsmarting Polyphemus influenced Odysseus’ personal growth. Although Odysseus was known for being intelligent in the Iliad, he only becomes wiser as his journey progressed. During the time Calypso imprisoned Odysseus in the island, he learned more of himself; Odysseus learned that his love for Penelope was true enough that he decided to refuse a life of immortality with a beautiful nymph. Throughout his voyage he learned to trust the words of others, for example the guidance of Athena and Circe’s warning about the cattle of Helios. He also learned about the temperament of the gods, and how his arrogance lead to punishment. At the end of his voyage, Odysseus is more keen about his attitude, and made amends with the gods. The voyage to Ithaca provided him with an opportunity to grow as a person and as a hero because these emotions influenced various changes and improvements in Odysseus. Odysseus’ disappearance from Ithaca influenced the journey of Telemachus. As Telemachus travelled to other cities, his journey of self discovery also began. Telemachus experienced many important aspects of ancient Greek culture such as offering sacrifices to the gods, and xenia. King Nestor also showed him the importance of the gods, and the significance of