Shakespeare’s Othello is a sad love story that ends in disaster caused by lies. In this story Othello is deceived by the character Iago. How a person might portray themselves is not always how they truly are. A perfect example of this is Iago’s character in Othello, he manipulates everyone in this story to get away with his plan. Iago presents himself as someone he is not in order to seem trustworthy to Roderigo, Cassio and Othello.
The story begins with Roderigo, a man who is in love with Desdemona. Roderigo would do anything to win Desdemona’s heart and Iago uses that to his advantage. Iago’s goal is to destroy Othello by breaking up his marriage to Desdemona and in the end destroys Othello all together. Iago begins his evil plan by promising Roderigo that he will help him capture Desdemona’s heart if he does everything he says. Iago convinces Roderigo that he is his friend, advisor and supporter. In reality he uses Roderigo as a pawn to fulfill his plan, he uses him for money and in some sick way is amused by tricking him.
The next character that Iago uses is Cassio. Iago plants the ideas in Othellos head that Cassio and his wife Desdemona are having an affair. Iago portrays himself to Cassio as an honest man, a friend and a faithful soldier. In reality Iago is jealous of Cassio because of his good looks and his job. Iago uses Cassio as his pawn and seeks revenge for taking his job away from him. Iago torments Cassio because he is so jealous of him. Iago ruins Cassio’s reputation when he says that Cassio may have a drinking problem. Iago creates a big fight between Roderigo and Cassio ending in Cassio losing his job. Iago later convinces Cassio to get close to Desdemona in order to help Cassio get on Othellos good side. Cassio wants his job back so he believes that is a great plan to get close to Desdemona.
The final and main character that Iago deceives is Othello. Iago leads Othello to believe that he is his friend, his advisor, his informant and his loyal soldier. As Iago begins tormenting Othello’s head with evil thoughts of infidelity, he says the following: “I hope you will consider what is spoke/Comes from my love” (3.3.231-32). Iago makes Othello believe that he does love him and that he is only telling him these things to help him. Iago wants Othello to believe that he is on his side, which is not the truth.
From the beginning to the end of the story it shows how Iago effects Othello’s thoughts. At first Othello defends his wife like every man should by responding: “Nor from mine own weak merits I will draw/The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt,/For she had eyes and chose me” (3.3.201-03). But Iago is so persistent that he succeeds in planting the thought in Othello’s head. As the story develops, Othello becomes more and more obsessed with the idea and craves proof. Iago finally convinces Othello that what he says is true by using the handkerchief. Iago lies to Othello that he saw Cassio with the handkerchief that same day. Othello is so blinded by what Iago is saying that he doesn’t realize that not too long ago he had it in his hand. Towards the end when he is fully convinced by Iago that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, he says “Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!/ Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne” (3.3.462-64). Othello is completely convinced by Iago and Iago succeeds in destroying him.
In conclusion there is a difference between how something may seem and how something is in reality. It is easy to be deceived when someone whispers lies into your ear. Iago portrays himself to be so trustworthy and in the end reality sets in. Sadly Othello realizes too late how much he was deceived by the evil Iago. Othello murders Desdemona instead of talking to her about what he is convinced is going on. Roderigo, Cassio and Othello are all deceived by the evil Iago ending in disaster. When Othello realizes what Iago has done he cant take the pain and deception that he ends his own life.
Revision for Essay 1
It would be ideal if our society now would be more like the society in the poem The Odyssey. Mostly everyone in this poem respects the codes of conduct and behavior. The people believe that if they don’t follow certain codes created by their god Zeus they will suffer consequences. They know that their fate will be determined by the gods and if they don’t obey these codes of behavior they will be punished. The two most prominent codes of behavior in the society of The Odyssey are loyalty and hospitality. Although these codes have been broken by a few, the majority of the people obey and follow them.
One of the prominent codes of behavior enforced by Zeus is the hospitality code. When a traveler seeks shelter this is when the hospitality code comes into play. The way a host is supposed to act when a traveler arrives on his doorstep is to provide food, wine, shelter, bath and gifts. In exchange the guest or guests should provide his information such as his name, name of father, place of origin, purpose of their journey and most importantly to show their gratitude. A perfect example of obeying this code of behavior is when Menelaos welcomes Telemachos into his palace. Menelaos says the following to Telemachos, “Help yourselves to the food and welcome, and then afterward, when you have tasted dinner, we shall ask you who among men you are, for the stock of your parents can be no lost one, but you are of the race of men who are kings, whom Zeus sustains” (IV, 60-63). Menelaos is following the hospitality code and also reminding Telemachos that he has to do the same. He reminds Telemachos that he will be asking him a few questions shortly.
Another prominent code of behavior is loyalty. There are many examples of loyalty in this poem. One example of loyalty is shown between a wife and a husband. Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, remains loyal to him throughout this poem. In a marriage a husband is supposed to provide his wife with protection and good treatment. The wife is supposed to stay sexually faithful to the man. Penelope stays faithful to her husband by tricking the suitors. She does this by beginning to weave the burial shroud. Penelope tells the suitors that she will choose her husband when she is finished with the burial shroud but the following passage reveals the truth, “Thereafter in the daytime she would weave at her great loom, but in the night she would have torches set by, and undo it” (II, 104-105). Penelope tricks the suitors to remain faithful to her husband Odysseus. She is a great example of a loyal woman.
Another example of loyalty is the loyalty between Gods and mortals. Gods provide guidance and help to mortals. Mortals provide reverence to the Gods which consists of sacrificing animals, prayer, pouring wine on the ground and obeying the codes of behavior. Athene and Odysseus’ relationship is an example of this. Athene provides guidance to Odysseus when needed. In return Odysseus does what she says and obeys the codes of behavior as well.
Most people in this society respect the codes of behavior but others do not. The people in this poem who do not follow these codes are the suitors and the cyclops. The suitors do not follow the code of hospitality at all. They took Odysseus’s home and turned it into a party house. They disrespected the code of hospitality and in the end they all died for it. The cyclops are evil people who are cannibals. The cyclope in this poem eats Odysseus’s men and Odysseus blinds him in return. In the end the people who disobey pay for the wrong that they do.
Although a few people do not obey these codes of behavior, such as the cyclops and suitors, the majority of the people do. The people are fully aware of the Gods and their power over them. These two codes of conduct, loyalty and the hospitality code are extremely important to follow. These codes are enforced by Zeus and therefore respected by most.
Essay 3
Shakespeare’s “Othello” is a sad love story that ends in disaster caused by lies. In this story Othello is deceived by the character Iago. How a person might portray themselves is not always how they truly are. Perfect example of this is Iago’s character in Othello, he manipulates everyone in this story to get away with his plan. Iago perceives himself as someone he is not in order to seem trustworthy to others.
The story begins with Roderigo, a man who is in love with Desdemona. Roderigo would do anything to win Desdemona’s heart and Iago uses that to his advantage. Iago’s goal is to destroy Othello by breaking up his marriage to Desdemona and in the end destroying Othello all together. Iago begins his evil plan by promising Roderigo that he will help him capture Desdemona’s heart if he does everything he says. Iago convinces Roderigo that he is his friend, advisor and supporter. In reality he uses Roderigo as a pawn to fulfill his plan, he uses him for money and in some sick way is amused by tricking him.
The next character that Iago uses is Cassio. Iago plants the ideas in Othellos head that Cassio and his wife Desdemona are having an affair. Iago portrays himself to Cassio as an honest man, a friend and a faithful soldier. In reality Iago is jealous of Cassio because of his good looks and his job. Iago uses Cassio as his pawn and seeks revenge for taking his job away from him. Iago torments Cassio because he is so jealous of him.
The final and main character that Iago deceives is Othello. Iago leads Othello to believe that he is his friend, his advisor, his informant and his loyal soldier. As Iago begins tormenting Othello’s head with evil thoughts of infidelity he says the following: “I hope you will consider what is spoke/Comes from my love” (3.3.231-32). Iago makes Othello believe that he does love him and his words come from a good place which is false.
From the beginning to the end of the story it shows how Iago effects Othello’s thoughts. At first Othello defends his wife like every man should by responding: “Nor from mine own weak merits I will draw/The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt,/For she had eyes and chose me” (3.3.201-03). But Iago was so persistent that he succeeds in planting the thought in Othello’s head. As the story develops Othello becomes more and more obsessed with the idea and craves for evidence. He becomes so desperate for an answer that he will believe anything at this point. Iago finally convinces Othello that what he says is true by using the handkerchief. Iago lies to Othello that he saw Cassio with the handkerchief that same day. Othello is so desperate for an answer that he believes it. Othello is so blinded by what Iago is saying that he doesn’t realize that not too long ago he had it in his hand. Towards the end when he is fully convinced by Iago that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, he says “Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!/ Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne” (3.3.462-64). Othello is completely convinced by Iago and Iago succeeds in destroying him.
In conclusion there is a difference between how something may seem and how something is in reality. It is easy to be deceived when someone whispers lies into your ear. Iago portrays himself to be so trustworthy and in the end reality sets in. Sadly Othello realizes too late how much he was deceived by the evil Iago. Othello and the rest of the characters were all deceived by the evil Iago ending in disaster.
Essay 2
On the website www.dictionary.com a hero is defined as “a person, typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities” and “the chief male character in a book, play, or movie, who is typically identified with good qualities.” In many great stories there is a villain and a hero. In the poem “The Odyssey” the main character Odysseus portrays both hero like and non hero like qualities.
A hero is admired for having courage and showing great qualities that are not common in others. Odysseus is a hero because he shows many great qualities. Some of the hero like qualities that Odysseus reveals in this story are courage, bravery, strength, cunning, skill of deception and most importantly showing respect to the Gods. He shows courage and bravery by going through all the turmoil he went through just to get home to his kingdom and family. His skill of deception is revealed when he tricks everyone in Ithaka to believe that he is a beggar and not himself. He did everything he could to fulfill his destiny.
Although Odysseus has many hero like qualities he still shows human flaws such as being selfish. He reveals this side by the way he treats his men. He let his men die by putting them in danger many times throughout the story. A perfect example of this is when he set sail through the more dangerous path because it was quicker. He knew the 6 headed monster was in their path and he still chose to go that way, losing more of his men. Odysseus also shows human flaws by entering the cyclopes’ cave. Odysseus is extremely irresponsible for entering the cave uninvited and was to blame for his men dying.
Another human flaw that he shows is in the battle with the suitors. He doesn’t let anyone go even the men that were begging for their lives. He doesn’t show any mercy and that is not what a hero would have done. In this passage it shows how evil Odysseus really is. Showing no mercy whatsoever he says the following: “Eurymachos, if you gave me all your father’s possessions, all that you have now, and what you could add elsewhere, even so, I would not stay my hands from the slaughter, until I had taken revenge for all the suitors’ transgression” (XXII, 61-64). Odysseus shows no mercy and kills all the suitors.
So although Odysseus has many God like qualities, he also has many human flaws. Odysseus is between a God and a human. He reveals a few hero like qualities and also shows non hero like qualities. He is a great man nonetheless and in the end saves Ithaka from ruins.
Essay 1
It would be ideal if our society now would be more like the society in the poem “The Odyssey”. Mostly everyone in this poem respects the codes of conduct and behavior. The people believe that if they don’t follow certain codes created by their God Zeus they will suffer consequences. They know that their fate will be determined by the Gods and if they don’t obey these codes of behavior they will be punished. The two most prominent codes of behavior in the society of “The Odyssey” is loyalty and hospitality. Although these codes have been broken by a few, the majority of the people obey and follow them.
One of the prominent codes of behavior enforced by Zeus is the hospitality code. When a traveler seeks shelter this is when the hospitality code comes into play. The way a host is supposed to act when a traveler arrives on their doorstep is to provide food, wine, shelter, bath and gifts. In exchange the guest or guests should provide their information such as their name, name of father, place of origin, purpose of their journey and most importantly to show their gratitude. A perfect example of obeying this code of behavior is when Menelaos welcomes Telemachos into his palace. Menelaos says the following to Telemachos, “Help yourselves to the food and welcome, and then afterward, when you have tasted dinner, we shall ask you who among men you are, for the stock of your parents can be no lost one, but you are of the race of men who are kings, whom Zeus sustains” (IV, 60-63). Menelaos is following the hospitality code and also reminding Telemachos that he has to do the same. He reminds Telemachos that he will be asking him a few questions shortly.
Another prominent code of behavior is loyalty. There are many examples of loyalty in this literature. One example of loyalty is shown between a wife and a husband. Penelope the wife of Odysseus remains loyal to him throughout this poem. In a marriage a husband is supposed to provide his wife with protection and good treatment. The wife is supposed to stay sexually faithful to the man. Penelope stays faithful to her husband by tricking the suitors. She does this by beginning to weave the burial shroud. Penelope tells the suitors that she will choose her husband when she is finished with the burial shroud but the following passage reveals the truth, “Thereafter in the daytime she would weave at her great loom, but in the night she would have torches set by, and undo it” (II, 104-105). Penelope tricks the suitors to remain faithful to her husband Odysseus. She is a great example of a loyal woman.
Another example of loyalty is the loyalty between Gods and mortals. Gods provide guidance and help to mortals. Mortals provide reverence to the Gods which consist of sacrificing animals, prayer, pouring wine on the earths surface and also by obeying these codes of behavior. Athene and Odysseus’ relationship is an example of this. Athene provides guidance to Odysseus when needed. In return Odysseus obeys what she says and obeys the codes of behavior as well.
Although a few people do not obey these codes of behavior, the majority of the people do. The people are fully aware of the Gods and their power over them. These two codes of conduct, loyalty and the hospitality code are extremely important to follow. These codes are enforced by Zeus and therefore respected by most.
Shakespeare’s Othello is a sad love story that ends in disaster caused by lies. In this story Othello is deceived by the character Iago. How a person might portray themselves is not always how they truly are. A perfect example of this is Iago’s character in Othello, he manipulates everyone in this story to get away with his plan. Iago presents himself as someone he is not in order to seem trustworthy to Roderigo, Cassio and Othello.
The story begins with Roderigo, a man who is in love with Desdemona. Roderigo would do anything to win Desdemona’s heart and Iago uses that to his advantage. Iago’s goal is to destroy Othello by breaking up his marriage to Desdemona and in the end destroys Othello all together. Iago begins his evil plan by promising Roderigo that he will help him capture Desdemona’s heart if he does everything he says. Iago convinces Roderigo that he is his friend, advisor and supporter. In reality he uses Roderigo as a pawn to fulfill his plan, he uses him for money and in some sick way is amused by tricking him.
The next character that Iago uses is Cassio. Iago plants the ideas in Othellos head that Cassio and his wife Desdemona are having an affair. Iago portrays himself to Cassio as an honest man, a friend and a faithful soldier. In reality Iago is jealous of Cassio because of his good looks and his job. Iago uses Cassio as his pawn and seeks revenge for taking his job away from him. Iago torments Cassio because he is so jealous of him. Iago ruins Cassio’s reputation when he says that Cassio may have a drinking problem. Iago creates a big fight between Roderigo and Cassio ending in Cassio losing his job. Iago later convinces Cassio to get close to Desdemona in order to help Cassio get on Othellos good side. Cassio wants his job back so he believes that is a great plan to get close to Desdemona.
The final and main character that Iago deceives is Othello. Iago leads Othello to believe that he is his friend, his advisor, his informant and his loyal soldier. As Iago begins tormenting Othello’s head with evil thoughts of infidelity, he says the following: “I hope you will consider what is spoke/Comes from my love” (3.3.231-32). Iago makes Othello believe that he does love him and that he is only telling him these things to help him. Iago wants Othello to believe that he is on his side, which is not the truth.
From the beginning to the end of the story it shows how Iago effects Othello’s thoughts. At first Othello defends his wife like every man should by responding: “Nor from mine own weak merits I will draw/The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt,/For she had eyes and chose me” (3.3.201-03). But Iago is so persistent that he succeeds in planting the thought in Othello’s head. As the story develops, Othello becomes more and more obsessed with the idea and craves proof. Iago finally convinces Othello that what he says is true by using the handkerchief. Iago lies to Othello that he saw Cassio with the handkerchief that same day. Othello is so blinded by what Iago is saying that he doesn’t realize that not too long ago he had it in his hand. Towards the end when he is fully convinced by Iago that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, he says “Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!/ Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne” (3.3.462-64). Othello is completely convinced by Iago and Iago succeeds in destroying him.
In conclusion there is a difference between how something may seem and how something is in reality. It is easy to be deceived when someone whispers lies into your ear. Iago portrays himself to be so trustworthy and in the end reality sets in. Sadly Othello realizes too late how much he was deceived by the evil Iago. Othello murders Desdemona instead of talking to her about what he is convinced is going on. Roderigo, Cassio and Othello are all deceived by the evil Iago ending in disaster. When Othello realizes what Iago has done he cant take the pain and deception that he ends his own life.
Revision for Essay 1
It would be ideal if our society now would be more like the society in the poem The Odyssey. Mostly everyone in this poem respects the codes of conduct and behavior. The people believe that if they don’t follow certain codes created by their god Zeus they will suffer consequences. They know that their fate will be determined by the gods and if they don’t obey these codes of behavior they will be punished. The two most prominent codes of behavior in the society of The Odyssey are loyalty and hospitality. Although these codes have been broken by a few, the majority of the people obey and follow them.
One of the prominent codes of behavior enforced by Zeus is the hospitality code. When a traveler seeks shelter this is when the hospitality code comes into play. The way a host is supposed to act when a traveler arrives on his doorstep is to provide food, wine, shelter, bath and gifts. In exchange the guest or guests should provide his information such as his name, name of father, place of origin, purpose of their journey and most importantly to show their gratitude. A perfect example of obeying this code of behavior is when Menelaos welcomes Telemachos into his palace. Menelaos says the following to Telemachos, “Help yourselves to the food and welcome, and then afterward, when you have tasted dinner, we shall ask you who among men you are, for the stock of your parents can be no lost one, but you are of the race of men who are kings, whom Zeus sustains” (IV, 60-63). Menelaos is following the hospitality code and also reminding Telemachos that he has to do the same. He reminds Telemachos that he will be asking him a few questions shortly.
Another prominent code of behavior is loyalty. There are many examples of loyalty in this poem. One example of loyalty is shown between a wife and a husband. Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, remains loyal to him throughout this poem. In a marriage a husband is supposed to provide his wife with protection and good treatment. The wife is supposed to stay sexually faithful to the man. Penelope stays faithful to her husband by tricking the suitors. She does this by beginning to weave the burial shroud. Penelope tells the suitors that she will choose her husband when she is finished with the burial shroud but the following passage reveals the truth, “Thereafter in the daytime she would weave at her great loom, but in the night she would have torches set by, and undo it” (II, 104-105). Penelope tricks the suitors to remain faithful to her husband Odysseus. She is a great example of a loyal woman.
Another example of loyalty is the loyalty between Gods and mortals. Gods provide guidance and help to mortals. Mortals provide reverence to the Gods which consists of sacrificing animals, prayer, pouring wine on the ground and obeying the codes of behavior. Athene and Odysseus’ relationship is an example of this. Athene provides guidance to Odysseus when needed. In return Odysseus does what she says and obeys the codes of behavior as well.
Most people in this society respect the codes of behavior but others do not. The people in this poem who do not follow these codes are the suitors and the cyclops. The suitors do not follow the code of hospitality at all. They took Odysseus’s home and turned it into a party house. They disrespected the code of hospitality and in the end they all died for it. The cyclops are evil people who are cannibals. The cyclope in this poem eats Odysseus’s men and Odysseus blinds him in return. In the end the people who disobey pay for the wrong that they do.
Although a few people do not obey these codes of behavior, such as the cyclops and suitors, the majority of the people do. The people are fully aware of the Gods and their power over them. These two codes of conduct, loyalty and the hospitality code are extremely important to follow. These codes are enforced by Zeus and therefore respected by most.
Essay 3
Shakespeare’s “Othello” is a sad love story that ends in disaster caused by lies. In this story Othello is deceived by the character Iago. How a person might portray themselves is not always how they truly are. Perfect example of this is Iago’s character in Othello, he manipulates everyone in this story to get away with his plan. Iago perceives himself as someone he is not in order to seem trustworthy to others.
The story begins with Roderigo, a man who is in love with Desdemona. Roderigo would do anything to win Desdemona’s heart and Iago uses that to his advantage. Iago’s goal is to destroy Othello by breaking up his marriage to Desdemona and in the end destroying Othello all together. Iago begins his evil plan by promising Roderigo that he will help him capture Desdemona’s heart if he does everything he says. Iago convinces Roderigo that he is his friend, advisor and supporter. In reality he uses Roderigo as a pawn to fulfill his plan, he uses him for money and in some sick way is amused by tricking him.
The next character that Iago uses is Cassio. Iago plants the ideas in Othellos head that Cassio and his wife Desdemona are having an affair. Iago portrays himself to Cassio as an honest man, a friend and a faithful soldier. In reality Iago is jealous of Cassio because of his good looks and his job. Iago uses Cassio as his pawn and seeks revenge for taking his job away from him. Iago torments Cassio because he is so jealous of him.
The final and main character that Iago deceives is Othello. Iago leads Othello to believe that he is his friend, his advisor, his informant and his loyal soldier. As Iago begins tormenting Othello’s head with evil thoughts of infidelity he says the following: “I hope you will consider what is spoke/Comes from my love” (3.3.231-32). Iago makes Othello believe that he does love him and his words come from a good place which is false.
From the beginning to the end of the story it shows how Iago effects Othello’s thoughts. At first Othello defends his wife like every man should by responding: “Nor from mine own weak merits I will draw/The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt,/For she had eyes and chose me” (3.3.201-03). But Iago was so persistent that he succeeds in planting the thought in Othello’s head. As the story develops Othello becomes more and more obsessed with the idea and craves for evidence. He becomes so desperate for an answer that he will believe anything at this point. Iago finally convinces Othello that what he says is true by using the handkerchief. Iago lies to Othello that he saw Cassio with the handkerchief that same day. Othello is so desperate for an answer that he believes it. Othello is so blinded by what Iago is saying that he doesn’t realize that not too long ago he had it in his hand. Towards the end when he is fully convinced by Iago that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, he says “Arise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!/ Yield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne” (3.3.462-64). Othello is completely convinced by Iago and Iago succeeds in destroying him.
In conclusion there is a difference between how something may seem and how something is in reality. It is easy to be deceived when someone whispers lies into your ear. Iago portrays himself to be so trustworthy and in the end reality sets in. Sadly Othello realizes too late how much he was deceived by the evil Iago. Othello and the rest of the characters were all deceived by the evil Iago ending in disaster.
Essay 2
On the website www.dictionary.com a hero is defined as “a person, typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities” and “the chief male character in a book, play, or movie, who is typically identified with good qualities.” In many great stories there is a villain and a hero. In the poem “The Odyssey” the main character Odysseus portrays both hero like and non hero like qualities.
A hero is admired for having courage and showing great qualities that are not common in others. Odysseus is a hero because he shows many great qualities. Some of the hero like qualities that Odysseus reveals in this story are courage, bravery, strength, cunning, skill of deception and most importantly showing respect to the Gods. He shows courage and bravery by going through all the turmoil he went through just to get home to his kingdom and family. His skill of deception is revealed when he tricks everyone in Ithaka to believe that he is a beggar and not himself. He did everything he could to fulfill his destiny.
Although Odysseus has many hero like qualities he still shows human flaws such as being selfish. He reveals this side by the way he treats his men. He let his men die by putting them in danger many times throughout the story. A perfect example of this is when he set sail through the more dangerous path because it was quicker. He knew the 6 headed monster was in their path and he still chose to go that way, losing more of his men. Odysseus also shows human flaws by entering the cyclopes’ cave. Odysseus is extremely irresponsible for entering the cave uninvited and was to blame for his men dying.
Another human flaw that he shows is in the battle with the suitors. He doesn’t let anyone go even the men that were begging for their lives. He doesn’t show any mercy and that is not what a hero would have done. In this passage it shows how evil Odysseus really is. Showing no mercy whatsoever he says the following: “Eurymachos, if you gave me all your father’s possessions, all that you have now, and what you could add elsewhere, even so, I would not stay my hands from the slaughter, until I had taken revenge for all the suitors’ transgression” (XXII, 61-64). Odysseus shows no mercy and kills all the suitors.
So although Odysseus has many God like qualities, he also has many human flaws. Odysseus is between a God and a human. He reveals a few hero like qualities and also shows non hero like qualities. He is a great man nonetheless and in the end saves Ithaka from ruins.
Essay 1
It would be ideal if our society now would be more like the society in the poem “The Odyssey”. Mostly everyone in this poem respects the codes of conduct and behavior. The people believe that if they don’t follow certain codes created by their God Zeus they will suffer consequences. They know that their fate will be determined by the Gods and if they don’t obey these codes of behavior they will be punished. The two most prominent codes of behavior in the society of “The Odyssey” is loyalty and hospitality. Although these codes have been broken by a few, the majority of the people obey and follow them.
One of the prominent codes of behavior enforced by Zeus is the hospitality code. When a traveler seeks shelter this is when the hospitality code comes into play. The way a host is supposed to act when a traveler arrives on their doorstep is to provide food, wine, shelter, bath and gifts. In exchange the guest or guests should provide their information such as their name, name of father, place of origin, purpose of their journey and most importantly to show their gratitude. A perfect example of obeying this code of behavior is when Menelaos welcomes Telemachos into his palace. Menelaos says the following to Telemachos, “Help yourselves to the food and welcome, and then afterward, when you have tasted dinner, we shall ask you who among men you are, for the stock of your parents can be no lost one, but you are of the race of men who are kings, whom Zeus sustains” (IV, 60-63). Menelaos is following the hospitality code and also reminding Telemachos that he has to do the same. He reminds Telemachos that he will be asking him a few questions shortly.
Another prominent code of behavior is loyalty. There are many examples of loyalty in this literature. One example of loyalty is shown between a wife and a husband. Penelope the wife of Odysseus remains loyal to him throughout this poem. In a marriage a husband is supposed to provide his wife with protection and good treatment. The wife is supposed to stay sexually faithful to the man. Penelope stays faithful to her husband by tricking the suitors. She does this by beginning to weave the burial shroud. Penelope tells the suitors that she will choose her husband when she is finished with the burial shroud but the following passage reveals the truth, “Thereafter in the daytime she would weave at her great loom, but in the night she would have torches set by, and undo it” (II, 104-105). Penelope tricks the suitors to remain faithful to her husband Odysseus. She is a great example of a loyal woman.
Another example of loyalty is the loyalty between Gods and mortals. Gods provide guidance and help to mortals. Mortals provide reverence to the Gods which consist of sacrificing animals, prayer, pouring wine on the earths surface and also by obeying these codes of behavior. Athene and Odysseus’ relationship is an example of this. Athene provides guidance to Odysseus when needed. In return Odysseus obeys what she says and obeys the codes of behavior as well.
Although a few people do not obey these codes of behavior, the majority of the people do. The people are fully aware of the Gods and their power over them. These two codes of conduct, loyalty and the hospitality code are extremely important to follow. These codes are enforced by Zeus and therefore respected by most.