Social Values of the Ancient Greece Portrayed by Homer - Essay Example

Odyssey by Homer An astounding literary piece serves as the true representative of the era in whichit has been created; consequently, it reflects the political, social, cultural, religious and economic aspects of life in a profound manner. The same is applied on the outstanding epic poem Odyssey by the celebrated poet and playwright of ancient Greek, Homer, who has magnificently drawn out all the colors of his contemporary social establishment by dint of his innate talent and dexterity over portraying the scenes in their real sense. It is therefore the epic is regarded as one of the most alluring and splendid works the world has ever produced. The poet has elaborated that maintenance of dignity and valor was the most imperative phenomenon for Greeks, on which they could not make any compromise altogether. Similarly, the politeness and modesty during speech and actions was also highly significant object for the society, and use of eloquent, apposite and sophisticated words during social interaction was regarded as the sign of being cultured and modest. Moreover, the people of the city were also munificent and generous, and always treated the guests with open arms and happy heart. Consequently, dignity, politeness and hospitality served as the most dominant features of the ancient Greek civilization of Homeric era. The verses depict the valor, pride, ego, prestige and strength of the major characters including the protagonist King Odysseus of Ithaca and his son Telemachus. Similarly, the loyalty, fidelity and dedication of Penelope, and the love and affection of the Ithacan subjects for their King Odysseus are also the distinguishing aspects of the ancient Greek life. The play reveals the very fact that the honor, prestige and dignity were regarded as the most prominent aspects of social life among the ancient Greek people, and they did not make any compromise on these issues altogether. Consequently, the Greek had to pay ransom amount for the maintenance of the same. The participation of the Greek youth in wars and battles also contained the basic motif of protecting their nation and women as well from falling into the lap of their enemies. Thus, Achilles, Hector, Odysseus, Patroclus and others perform such marvelous deeds that arouse astounding wonder and invite shocking surprise of the readers and spectators alike. The issue of pride and shame also appears at the eve of the challenge made by Euryalus, the handsome and strong Phaeacian youth, to Odysseus after the latter’s attending the Phaeacian assembly. Euryalus asks Odysseus to participate in the athletic contest along with the other Athenian youth. (Book 8: lines 178-182) However, Odysseus refused to comply with the same. Consequently, Euryalus passes insulting comments on him by declaring him as a sailor trading back and forth in a ship with many oars, as well as a captain in charge of merchant sailors (Book 8, lines 200-202) In response to these awkward words, Odysseus made a thought-provoking speech in which he laments over his present state of affairs that is not suitable for the participating in athletics. However, he throws discus so powerfully that no one can do the same. Consequently, Athena encourages him to participate in other competitions too, which he does and wins the same. Hence, he obtains the opportunity of proving his worth in discus throwing and wrestling. Thus, cunning speeches made by the protagonist character made situation uncomfortable, and the King announces the end of the games for the day. Odysseus is determined to fight against rival generals, sea monsters, court intriguers and hypocrites in order to display his bravery on the one hand, and to sustain the status of a dignified ruler on the other. It is therefore he sets out to fight war against the Trojan army just for the sake of enjoying the status of the most gallant and respectable person of the city. At the beginning of the Trojan War, he appears to be the father of an infant of one month only, departing from him really looks unpleasant and uncomfortable for him. However, he displays his unflinching determination to lead the army during the war, and sets out for the same leaving his charming wife Penelope and infant Telemachus just for earning more respect and fame as warrior. (Odyssey, Book 7-8) “Listen to me, you counselors and leaders of Phaeacians. Now we have refreshed our spirits. We’ve shared this food, and music has accompanied our splendid banquet. So let’s go outside and test ourselves in all sorts of contests…” (Book 8: lines 116-121) The same is the case with Achilles, as the prophecies manifestly disclose his certain death during the war, but he does not display any slightest sign of anxiety on his departure, and prefers his ultimate death at a glorious manner to the life of humiliation and degradation. Thus, after killing several Trojans, during the war, he was also murdered by Paris’s arrow in the battlefield. Another great warrior, Hector, also adopts the same behavior and pays least heed to the prediction of losing his life in the battlefield, and left his gorgeous pretty wife Andromache and innocent son Astyanax in order to display gallant deeds against the foes of his Trojan nation fighting under the commandership of the Greek Achilles. His journey is meant to return home in order to reunite with his wife, son and father, during which he has to undergo severe trials and hurdles. He loses his companions in the Island of Cicones and is captured in a cave in the Island of Cyclopes. The race of cannibals stops him from proceeding on the one hand, and bad winds prove unfavorable towards Odysseus on the other. In addition, he has to spend many years as captive of the goddess Calypso. Odysseus’s stay in the confinement of the nymph Calypso is also full of trials; however, he does not make any compromise to get released by putting his dignity at stake. However, Athena’s interference plays decisive role in his release after spending several years in confinement. Thus, Odysseus remains as firm as rock in the face of hardships and obstacles and subsequently comes out successful and triumphant in all ordeals and trials. He guises himself as a beggar, in order to conceal his identity; somehow, the loving and curious eyes of his beloved wife recognize him at first glance. Here, his trial starts once again, when Penelope suggests an ordeal in order to choose the winner as her consort among several of her suitors. Since every suitor has made big claims of sincere love for her, winning the bout appears to be matter of life and death for Odysseus. The same is the situation of the leader of the suitors, who proclaimed: “It's too bad.  I'm frustrated for myself and for you all.  I'm not that unhappy about the marriage, though I am upset. There are many more Achaean women— some here in sea-girt Ithaca itself, others in different cities. But if we are so weak compared to godlike Odysseus that we can't string his bow, it's a disgrace which men will learn about in years to come.” (Book 21: lines 309-317) However, Odysseus turns out to be triumphant, and subsequently joins his wife for the rest of their life. Odyssey also concentrates upon the language and decor applied by the elite stratum in their everyday conversations. Homer depicts, through his characters, that elegance and verbosity is the imperative part of the decorum of ancient Greece. The dialogue between Penelope and Odysseus displays delicacy and eloquence adopted by the Greeks, where Odysseus, in beggar’s guise, requests Penelope to be kind towards the people which are not as they appear. “You're a passionate woman—why is it you go at me like this, with such anger in your heart?  Is it because I'm filthy, wear shabby clothing on my body, and beg throughout the district? I have to— sheer need forces that on me.”  (Book 19, lines 88-94) Penelope actually feels agitated because of the presence and demands of the suitors for her hand. She actually is seeking relief as long wait of many years for her lost husband has perturbed her to a great extent. Moreover, since she has at the verge of recognizing the identity of the beggar, non-compliance with revealing his identity infuriates her a lot. Thus, she asks the maid to bring chair for the stranger, and pleads to the beggar in a very humble and polite manner to disclose his identity. (Book 19, lines 128-135) After listening to the humble, sophisticated and humane speech made by the stranger, Penelope pleads guilty that the constant absence of her beloved consort has destroyed her eloquence and patience, for which she feels sorry. Thus, her humility and meekness exposes the prevailing Greek social norms of Homeric era. Homer defines hospitality and generosity as the most prominent characteristics of ancient Greece; it is therefore the guests receive magnificent welcome at their arrival as well as during their stay. Odysseus experiences the same reception while reaching Athens, where Athena welcomes her and guides her to the palace in the guise of a young girl. (Book 7: lines 31-40) Though the grandeur and splendor of the palace seem to be marvelous to Odysseus, but Athena does not let him feel stranger in the city. Odysseus makes his humble speech before Arete and the King Alcinous, and sits on floor near ashes. However, it is against the disposition of the Athenian royalty to let him stay at inferior place. Thus, they offer him silver chair and respectable place at the royal court. Moreover, he is provided with every comfort and honor in the royal court by the attendants as per the decrees made by the King. (Book 7: lines 187-241) It is really a matter of great pleasure and prestige for Odysseus, as the most favorite prince leaves his chair in his honor. Thus, he assesses the hospitality of the Athenians and is vehemently impressed by it. To conclude, it becomes evident that Homer has skillfully portrayed the social values prevailing in the ancient Greece, where the royalty, elite class, and even the subjects strictly observe these values in mind while getting involved into communication and interaction with the other members of their social establishment. They were modest and humble particularly while dealing the foreigners, strangers and outsiders, and would never apply slang or loose talk in their communication. Works Cited Homer. “Odyssey” Retrieved from http://records.viu.ca/~johnstoi/homer/odyssey21.htm Read More