Response Essay 2-- 3rd revision There are many traits a hero should have and different ideas about what constitutes a hero. To me, a hero is a person who is willing to go out of his/her way to assist others. He tends to put others before himself and worries about his own needs less. A hero should be intelligent and strong as well as brave and caring. I believe the most important characteristic of a hero is his willingness to put the safety of others above his own. A hero should be able to save others from any type of danger and stand up for justice and what is morally right. There are just as many qualities that disqualify a person from being a hero, as there are that contribute to one being a hero. A true hero cannot be self-centered or care more about him/her. The whole idea of a hero is helping others in need. And if he is self-obsessed, he will not be able to care for others. A person should not attempt to become a hero for the fame and notoriety. Hero’s cannot be full of pride about themselves or want to be honored for it, it should be in their hearts. One example of a hero would be Odysseus from The Odyssey, because he possesses most of the qualities that I believe a hero should have. Odysseus is brave enough to fight for his country and in the Trojan War. Even in today’s society, we consider those in the army and whoever fights for our country to be heroic. He is confident and refuses to give up until he can serve justice in his homeland. He continually maintains a positive attitude even when it seems everything is working against him. As Odysseus travels to many different islands and meets new people, he remains brave. Not once does he doubt his own abilities, and does not fear the abilities of others. When Odysseus comes in contact with the mighty and strong Cyclops, son of Podeidon, he is completely fearless. Odysseus’ fearlessness helps him escape and continue his journey. As a hero, Odysseus endures many hardships. He was forced to be apart from his family for many years. He is also described as being cunning. That quality proves to really help him in times of need. His quick wit actually saves his life, along with some of his men. When Poseidon punishes him, he endures it and works through it. Odysseus is not self-centered or out for fame, he only wants justice. He is proud of all of his accomplishments as she should be, and that does not make himself centered or out for fame. Odysseus truly longs to just go home to his wife, son, and home. When recalling all of the struggles Odysseus endures attempting to go home, he states, “What I want and all my days I pine for is to go back to my house and see my day of homecoming. And if some god batters me far out on the wine-blue water, I will endure it, keeping a stubborn spirit inside me, for already I have suffered much and done much hard work on the waves and in the fighting. So let this adventure follow” (5.219-224). Odysseus knows that he must endure the worst to get home, and believes that there is nothing that can stop him. No hero is perfect, and neither is Odysseus. However, Odysseus does have a lot of heroic qualities. Yes, sometimes he does not make the best decisions, like revealing his name to Poseidon, or putting his men’s’ lives in danger, but he is overall a hero. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus endures pain and suffering that I do not believe most could handle. He has faith in himself and others which helps him in returning home. If Odysseus were not a real hero, he would not have been able to safely return home.
Response Essay 3
In Act II of Othello, Iago states, “When devils will their blackest sins put on, / They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, / As I do now” (2.3.351-353). Throughout the play, Iago proved to be nothing but manipulative and deceitful. Iago mainly fools Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello, into trusting him when instead he is using them. Iago wants nothing more to get back at the three men he hates, and is willing to lie, trick them, and lose some great people. What Iago portrays to Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello, are extremely different from who he really is as well as his true intentions.
Roderigo is the first one to fall for Iago’s manipulation. Roderigo is madly in love with Desdemona, but cannot pursue her because she is married to Othello. Iago suggests that Roderigo give him some money, and in return, Iago would help convince Desdemona to leave Othello for Roderigo. Iago’s appearances, or “heavenly shows”, seem to be very friendly and trustworthy. It seems as if Iago wants to help Roderigo. Iago supports Roderigo in his pursuit of Desdemona, and he also offers advice and serves as an advisor for Roderigo. Realistically, Roderigo does not want to help. His true intentions, or “blackest sins”, are to steal Roderigo’s money. Iago is not doing anything to help him with Desdemona. Iago also finds this as amusing and uses it to bring down Cassio.
Iago appears as a good and faithful friend to Cassio. Iago also serves as an honest advisor. Iago’s true intentions differ from his appearances. Iago is really jealous of Cassio and wants his job. Iago feels he is more deserving to be Othello’s Lieutenant, not Cassio. Similar to Roderigo, Iago also tricks Cassio for fun and sport. He wants to use Cassio to help bring down Othello.
Iago appears as a very helpful assistant to Othello. He seems very loyal to Othello and Othello trusts him as an expert on Venetian society and as an advisor and assistant. Othello trusts Iago when he lies about Desdemona’s infidelity. Othello was unaware of Iago’s true intentions which were to completely destroy Othello. Angry at Othello, Iago stated,
Bur for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor:
And it is thought abroad, that ‘twixt my sheets
He has done my office: I know not if’t be true;
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety. (1.3.12)
Iago truly hates Othello. Maybe because he didn’t give Iago the position of his lieutenant or because he heard a rumor that Othello was once with his wife Emilia. Iago wanted revenge and wanted to torment Othello.
It is clear that Iago’s “heavenly shows” are really his “blackest sins”. Iago is not who he really appears to be. He appears as someone who can really be trusted when in reality, his intentions are to destroy anyone who comes into his way. He even strikes his own wife in fear of everyone finding out who he really is. However, justice is served in the end when he is put in jail.
Response Essay 2- REVISED
There are many traits a hero should have and different ideas about what constitutes a hero. To me, a hero is a person who is willing to go out of his/her way to assist others. They tend to put others before themselves and worry about themselves less. A hero should be intelligent and strong as well as brave and caring. I believe the most important characteristic of a hero is his willingness to put the safety of others above his own. A hero should be able to save others from any type of danger and stand up for justice and what is morally right. One example of a hero would be Odysseus from The Odyssey.
There are just as many qualities that disqualify a person from being a hero, as there are that contribute to one being a hero. A true hero cannot be self-centered or care more about him/her. The whole idea of a hero is helping others in need. And if they are self-obsessed, they will not be able to care for others. A person should not attempt to become a hero for the fame and notoriety. Hero’s cannot be full of pride about themselves or want to be honored for it, it should be in their hearts.
Odysseus is definitely a hero. He possesses most of the qualities that I believe a hero should have. In today’s society, we consider those in the army and whoever fights for our country heroic. Odysseus is brave enough to fight for his country and in the Trojan War. Not only did he fight in the War, but he was the essential reason for the Greeks winning the War. As a hero, Odysseus endures many hardships. He was forced to be apart from his family for many years. He is also described as being cunning. That quality proves to really help him in times of need. His quick wit actually saves his life, along with some of his men. When Poseidon punishes him, he endures it and works through it. Odysseus is not self-centered or out for fame, he only wants justice. He is proud of all of his accomplishments as she should be, and that does not make himself centered or out for fame. Odysseus truly longs to just go home to his wife, son, and home. When recalling all of the struggles Odysseus endures attempting to go home, he states, “What I want and all my days I pine for is to go back to my house and see my day of homecoming. And if some god batters me far out on the wine-blue water, I will endure it, keeping a stubborn spirit inside me, for already I have suffered much and done much hard work on the waves and in the fighting. So let this adventure follow” (5.219-224). Odysseus knows that he must endure the worst to get home, and believes that there is nothing that can stop him. He is confident and refuses to give up until he can serve justice in his homeland. He continually maintains a positive attitude even when it seems everything is working against him.
No hero is perfect, and neither is Odysseus. However, Odysseus does have a lot of heroic qualities. Yes, sometimes he does not make the best decisions, like revealing his name to Poseidon, or putting his men’s’ lives in danger, but he is overall a hero. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus endures pain and suffering that I do not believe most could handle. He has faith in himself and others which helps him in returning home. If Odysseus were not a real hero, he would not have been able to safely return home.
Response 2 There are multiple characteristics of a hero and different ideas of what a hero should be like. To me, a hero is anyone who is willing to go out of their way to assist others. They tend to put others before them and worry about themselves less. A Hero should be intelligent and strong as well as brave and caring. I believe the most important characteristic of a hero is his willingness to put the safety of others above his own. A hero should be able to save others from any type of danger and would stand up for justice and what is morally right. One example of a hero would be Odysseus from The Odyssey.
There are just as many qualities that disqualify a person from being a hero, than there is that contribute to one being a hero. A hero cannot be self-centered or care more about themselves. The whole idea of a hero is helping others in need. And if one is self-obsessed, they will not be able to care for others. A hero much behave like a hero because they want to, and it is in their hearts. A person should not attempt to become a hero for the fame and notoriety. Any true hero would not be full of pride about them and want to be honored for it.
Odysseus is definitely a hero. He possesses most qualities that I believe a hero should have. In today’s society, we consider those in the army and whoever fights for our country a hero. Odysseus is brave enough to fight for his country and fought in the Trojan War. Not only did he fight in the War, but he was the essential reason for the Greeks winning the War. As a hero, Odysseus endures many hardships. He was forced to be apart from his family for many years. He is also described as being cunning. That quality proves to really help him when needed. His quick wit actually saved his life, along with some of his men. When Poseidon punishes him, he endures it and works through it. Odysseus truly longs to just go home to his wife, son, and home. Odysseus states, “What I want and all my days I pine for is to go back to my house and see my day of homecoming. And if some god batters me far out on the wine-blue water, I will endure it, keeping a stubborn spirit inside me, for already I have suffered much and done much hard work on the waves and in the fighting. So let this adventure follow” (5.219-224). Odysseus knows that he must endure the worst to get home, and knows that there is nothing that can stop him. He continually maintains a positive attitude even when it seems everything is working against him.
No hero is perfect, and neither is Odysseus. However, Odysseus does have a lot of heroic qualities. Yes, sometimes he does not make the best decisions, like revealing his name to Poseidon, or putting his men’s’ lives in danger, but he is overall a hero. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus endures pain and suffering that I do not believe most can handle. He has faith in himself and others which helped him in returning home. If Odysseus was not a real hero, he may not have been able to safely return home.
Response 1- Revised
Of all of the codes of behavior in The Odyssey, the two most prominent ones are hospitality and loyalty. Hospitality and loyalty was evident in the society of Ithaca as well as Ancient Greecs in general. Odysseus himself is faced with people who choose to be hospitable, like the Phaeacians, and those who are not hospitable. He also has to deal with those who are disloyal to him, such as the suitors, and be thankful for those who do remain loyal to him, such as his wife Penelope. Hospitality and loyalty are two prominent and important codes of behavior in The Odyssey.
As a host or hostess, there are multiple behaviors and actions you are required to do. For example, a guest should expect to receive food, shelter, protection, entertainment, a bath, and gifts. And as a guest, you should provide your host with information about your journey, origin, and the family you come from. The best example of hospitality in the first half of The Odyssey would be in books seven and eight. When Odysseus arrives to the palace of Alcinous, he is treated very well. Alcinous provides food for Odysseus as well as entertainment and gifts. Upon Odysseus’ arrival, Alcinous states, “Now, having feasted, go home and take your rest, and tomorrow at dawn we shall call the elders in, in great numbers, and entertain the guest in our halls, and to the immortals accomplish fine sacrifices, and after that we shall think of conveyance, and how our guest without annoyance or hardship man come again…” (7, 188-193). Not even knowing who Odysseus is, the Phaeacians are willing to provide Odysseus with the utmost hospitality. They offer him a ship to travel home in. At the end of book eight, Odysseus decides to reveal his identity, where he comes from and who his family is.
Loyalty is also another major code of behavior in The Odyssey. Because Odysseus is King, it is respectable for all to obey him and his requests'. That is not the case, however. When Odysseus goes away for twenty years, it seems like no one is loyal to him. Suitors invade and take over his palace. They even try to marry his wife. When speaking about the suitors, Telemachus states, “They cine and loiter in our house and sacrifice our oxen and our sheep and our fat goats and make a holiday feast of it and drink bright wine recklessly” (II,55-58). The suitors are acting as though Odysseus is not alive and are carless about their disloyalty towards him. Penelope on the other hand, shows immense loyalty to her husband. Twenty years go by and she still has hope of his return. She refuses to give in to the suitors’ persistent attitude towards marrying her.
Those who do obey these codes of behavior show great amounts of respect for others and in this case, King Odysseus. Although Odysseus has to learn the hard way that not all societies have sophisticated codes of behavior as his does, he does expect to receive these codes of behavior and is willing to do the same. Having specific codes of behavior is very important in The Odyssey, as well as being able to abide by them.
Response Essay 1 Of all of the codes of behavior in The Odyssey, the two most prominent ones are hospitality and loyalty. Hospitality and loyalty was evident in the society of Ithaca as well as Ancient Greeks in general. Odysseus himself is faced with people who choose to be hospitable, like the Phaeacians and those who are not hospitable. He also has to deal with those who are disloyal to him, such as the suitors, and be thankful for those who do remain loyal to him, such as his wife Penelope. Hospitality and loyalty are two prominent and important codes of behavior in The Odyssey. As a host or hostess, there are multiple behaviors and actions you are required to do. For example, a guest should expect to receive food, shelter, protection, entertainment, a bath, and gifts. And as a guest, you should provide your host with information about your journey, origin, and the family in which you come from. The best example of hospitality in the first half of The Odyssey , would be in books seven and eight. When Odysseus arrives to the palace of Alcinous, he is treated very well. Alcinous provides food for Odysseus as well as entertainment and gifts. Upon Odysseus’ arrival, Alcinous states, “Now, having feasted, go home and take your rest, and tomorrow at dawn we shall call the elders in, in great numbers, and entertain the guest in our halls, and to the immortals accomplish fine sacrifices, and after that we shall think of conveyance, and how out guest without annoyance or hardship man come again…” (7, 188-193). Not even knowing who Odysseus is, The Phaeacians are willing to provide Odysseus with the utmost hospitality. They offer to build him a ship to travel home in. At the end of book eight, Odysseus decides to reveal his identity, where he comes from and who his family is.
Loyalty is also another major code of behavior in The Odyssey. As King of Ithaca, all who live there are supposed to be loyal to Kind Odysseus, no matter what. That is not the case however. When Odysseus goes away for twenty years, it seems like no one is loyal to him. Suitors invade and take over his palace. They even try to marry his wife. When speaking about the suitors, Telemachus states, “They cine ad loiter in our house and sacrifice our oxen and our sheep and our fat goats and make a holiday feast of it and drink bright wine recklessly” (II,55-58). The suitors are acting like Odysseus is not alive and are carless about their disloyalty towards them. Penelope on the other hand, shows immense loyalty to her husband. Twenty years go by and she still has hope of his return. She refuses to give in to the suitors’ persistent attitude towards marrying her.
Those who do obey these codes of behavior show great amounts of respect for others and in this case, Kind Odysseus. Although Odysseus had to learn the hard way that not all societies have sophisticated codes of behavior as his, he does expect to receive these codes of behavior and is willing to do the same. These codes of behavior are very important and anyone who did not follow these codes of behavior did receive punishment.
Response Essay 2-- 3rd revision
There are many traits a hero should have and different ideas about what constitutes a hero. To me, a hero is a person who is willing to go out of his/her way to assist others. He tends to put others before himself and worries about his own needs less. A hero should be intelligent and strong as well as brave and caring. I believe the most important characteristic of a hero is his willingness to put the safety of others above his own. A hero should be able to save others from any type of danger and stand up for justice and what is morally right. There are just as many qualities that disqualify a person from being a hero, as there are that contribute to one being a hero. A true hero cannot be self-centered or care more about him/her. The whole idea of a hero is helping others in need. And if he is self-obsessed, he will not be able to care for others. A person should not attempt to become a hero for the fame and notoriety. Hero’s cannot be full of pride about themselves or want to be honored for it, it should be in their hearts. One example of a hero would be Odysseus from The Odyssey, because he possesses most of the qualities that I believe a hero should have.
Odysseus is brave enough to fight for his country and in the Trojan War. Even in today’s society, we consider those in the army and whoever fights for our country to be heroic. He is confident and refuses to give up until he can serve justice in his homeland. He continually maintains a positive attitude even when it seems everything is working against him. As Odysseus travels to many different islands and meets new people, he remains brave. Not once does he doubt his own abilities, and does not fear the abilities of others. When Odysseus comes in contact with the mighty and strong Cyclops, son of Podeidon, he is completely fearless. Odysseus’ fearlessness helps him escape and continue his journey.
As a hero, Odysseus endures many hardships. He was forced to be apart from his family for many years. He is also described as being cunning. That quality proves to really help him in times of need. His quick wit actually saves his life, along with some of his men. When Poseidon punishes him, he endures it and works through it. Odysseus is not self-centered or out for fame, he only wants justice. He is proud of all of his accomplishments as she should be, and that does not make himself centered or out for fame. Odysseus truly longs to just go home to his wife, son, and home. When recalling all of the struggles Odysseus endures attempting to go home, he states, “What I want and all my days I pine for is to go back to my house and see my day of homecoming. And if some god batters me far out on the wine-blue water, I will endure it, keeping a stubborn spirit inside me, for already I have suffered much and done much hard work on the waves and in the fighting. So let this adventure follow” (5.219-224). Odysseus knows that he must endure the worst to get home, and believes that there is nothing that can stop him.
No hero is perfect, and neither is Odysseus. However, Odysseus does have a lot of heroic qualities. Yes, sometimes he does not make the best decisions, like revealing his name to Poseidon, or putting his men’s’ lives in danger, but he is overall a hero. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus endures pain and suffering that I do not believe most could handle. He has faith in himself and others which helps him in returning home. If Odysseus were not a real hero, he would not have been able to safely return home.
Response Essay 3
In Act II of Othello, Iago states, “When devils will their blackest sins put on, / They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, / As I do now” (2.3.351-353). Throughout the play, Iago proved to be nothing but manipulative and deceitful. Iago mainly fools Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello, into trusting him when instead he is using them. Iago wants nothing more to get back at the three men he hates, and is willing to lie, trick them, and lose some great people. What Iago portrays to Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello, are extremely different from who he really is as well as his true intentions.
Roderigo is the first one to fall for Iago’s manipulation. Roderigo is madly in love with Desdemona, but cannot pursue her because she is married to Othello. Iago suggests that Roderigo give him some money, and in return, Iago would help convince Desdemona to leave Othello for Roderigo. Iago’s appearances, or “heavenly shows”, seem to be very friendly and trustworthy. It seems as if Iago wants to help Roderigo. Iago supports Roderigo in his pursuit of Desdemona, and he also offers advice and serves as an advisor for Roderigo. Realistically, Roderigo does not want to help. His true intentions, or “blackest sins”, are to steal Roderigo’s money. Iago is not doing anything to help him with Desdemona. Iago also finds this as amusing and uses it to bring down Cassio.
Iago appears as a good and faithful friend to Cassio. Iago also serves as an honest advisor. Iago’s true intentions differ from his appearances. Iago is really jealous of Cassio and wants his job. Iago feels he is more deserving to be Othello’s Lieutenant, not Cassio. Similar to Roderigo, Iago also tricks Cassio for fun and sport. He wants to use Cassio to help bring down Othello.
Iago appears as a very helpful assistant to Othello. He seems very loyal to Othello and Othello trusts him as an expert on Venetian society and as an advisor and assistant. Othello trusts Iago when he lies about Desdemona’s infidelity. Othello was unaware of Iago’s true intentions which were to completely destroy Othello. Angry at Othello, Iago stated,
Bur for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor:
And it is thought abroad, that ‘twixt my sheets
He has done my office: I know not if’t be true;
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety. (1.3.12)
Iago truly hates Othello. Maybe because he didn’t give Iago the position of his lieutenant or because he heard a rumor that Othello was once with his wife Emilia. Iago wanted revenge and wanted to torment Othello.
It is clear that Iago’s “heavenly shows” are really his “blackest sins”. Iago is not who he really appears to be. He appears as someone who can really be trusted when in reality, his intentions are to destroy anyone who comes into his way. He even strikes his own wife in fear of everyone finding out who he really is. However, justice is served in the end when he is put in jail.
Response Essay 2- REVISED
There are many traits a hero should have and different ideas about what constitutes a hero. To me, a hero is a person who is willing to go out of his/her way to assist others. They tend to put others before themselves and worry about themselves less. A hero should be intelligent and strong as well as brave and caring. I believe the most important characteristic of a hero is his willingness to put the safety of others above his own. A hero should be able to save others from any type of danger and stand up for justice and what is morally right. One example of a hero would be Odysseus from The Odyssey.
There are just as many qualities that disqualify a person from being a hero, as there are that contribute to one being a hero. A true hero cannot be self-centered or care more about him/her. The whole idea of a hero is helping others in need. And if they are self-obsessed, they will not be able to care for others. A person should not attempt to become a hero for the fame and notoriety. Hero’s cannot be full of pride about themselves or want to be honored for it, it should be in their hearts.
Odysseus is definitely a hero. He possesses most of the qualities that I believe a hero should have. In today’s society, we consider those in the army and whoever fights for our country heroic. Odysseus is brave enough to fight for his country and in the Trojan War. Not only did he fight in the War, but he was the essential reason for the Greeks winning the War. As a hero, Odysseus endures many hardships. He was forced to be apart from his family for many years. He is also described as being cunning. That quality proves to really help him in times of need. His quick wit actually saves his life, along with some of his men. When Poseidon punishes him, he endures it and works through it. Odysseus is not self-centered or out for fame, he only wants justice. He is proud of all of his accomplishments as she should be, and that does not make himself centered or out for fame. Odysseus truly longs to just go home to his wife, son, and home. When recalling all of the struggles Odysseus endures attempting to go home, he states, “What I want and all my days I pine for is to go back to my house and see my day of homecoming. And if some god batters me far out on the wine-blue water, I will endure it, keeping a stubborn spirit inside me, for already I have suffered much and done much hard work on the waves and in the fighting. So let this adventure follow” (5.219-224). Odysseus knows that he must endure the worst to get home, and believes that there is nothing that can stop him. He is confident and refuses to give up until he can serve justice in his homeland. He continually maintains a positive attitude even when it seems everything is working against him.
No hero is perfect, and neither is Odysseus. However, Odysseus does have a lot of heroic qualities. Yes, sometimes he does not make the best decisions, like revealing his name to Poseidon, or putting his men’s’ lives in danger, but he is overall a hero. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus endures pain and suffering that I do not believe most could handle. He has faith in himself and others which helps him in returning home. If Odysseus were not a real hero, he would not have been able to safely return home.
Response 2
There are multiple characteristics of a hero and different ideas of what a hero should be like. To me, a hero is anyone who is willing to go out of their way to assist others. They tend to put others before them and worry about themselves less. A Hero should be intelligent and strong as well as brave and caring. I believe the most important characteristic of a hero is his willingness to put the safety of others above his own. A hero should be able to save others from any type of danger and would stand up for justice and what is morally right. One example of a hero would be Odysseus from The Odyssey.
There are just as many qualities that disqualify a person from being a hero, than there is that contribute to one being a hero. A hero cannot be self-centered or care more about themselves. The whole idea of a hero is helping others in need. And if one is self-obsessed, they will not be able to care for others. A hero much behave like a hero because they want to, and it is in their hearts. A person should not attempt to become a hero for the fame and notoriety. Any true hero would not be full of pride about them and want to be honored for it.
Odysseus is definitely a hero. He possesses most qualities that I believe a hero should have. In today’s society, we consider those in the army and whoever fights for our country a hero. Odysseus is brave enough to fight for his country and fought in the Trojan War. Not only did he fight in the War, but he was the essential reason for the Greeks winning the War. As a hero, Odysseus endures many hardships. He was forced to be apart from his family for many years. He is also described as being cunning. That quality proves to really help him when needed. His quick wit actually saved his life, along with some of his men. When Poseidon punishes him, he endures it and works through it. Odysseus truly longs to just go home to his wife, son, and home. Odysseus states, “What I want and all my days I pine for is to go back to my house and see my day of homecoming. And if some god batters me far out on the wine-blue water, I will endure it, keeping a stubborn spirit inside me, for already I have suffered much and done much hard work on the waves and in the fighting. So let this adventure follow” (5.219-224). Odysseus knows that he must endure the worst to get home, and knows that there is nothing that can stop him. He continually maintains a positive attitude even when it seems everything is working against him.
No hero is perfect, and neither is Odysseus. However, Odysseus does have a lot of heroic qualities. Yes, sometimes he does not make the best decisions, like revealing his name to Poseidon, or putting his men’s’ lives in danger, but he is overall a hero. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus endures pain and suffering that I do not believe most can handle. He has faith in himself and others which helped him in returning home. If Odysseus was not a real hero, he may not have been able to safely return home.
Response 1- Revised
Of all of the codes of behavior in The Odyssey, the two most prominent ones are hospitality and loyalty. Hospitality and loyalty was evident in the society of Ithaca as well as Ancient Greecs in general. Odysseus himself is faced with people who choose to be hospitable, like the Phaeacians, and those who are not hospitable. He also has to deal with those who are disloyal to him, such as the suitors, and be thankful for those who do remain loyal to him, such as his wife Penelope. Hospitality and loyalty are two prominent and important codes of behavior in The Odyssey.
As a host or hostess, there are multiple behaviors and actions you are required to do. For example, a guest should expect to receive food, shelter, protection, entertainment, a bath, and gifts. And as a guest, you should provide your host with information about your journey, origin, and the family you come from. The best example of hospitality in the first half of The Odyssey would be in books seven and eight. When Odysseus arrives to the palace of Alcinous, he is treated very well. Alcinous provides food for Odysseus as well as entertainment and gifts. Upon Odysseus’ arrival, Alcinous states, “Now, having feasted, go home and take your rest, and tomorrow at dawn we shall call the elders in, in great numbers, and entertain the guest in our halls, and to the immortals accomplish fine sacrifices, and after that we shall think of conveyance, and how our guest without annoyance or hardship man come again…” (7, 188-193). Not even knowing who Odysseus is, the Phaeacians are willing to provide Odysseus with the utmost hospitality. They offer him a ship to travel home in. At the end of book eight, Odysseus decides to reveal his identity, where he comes from and who his family is.
Loyalty is also another major code of behavior in The Odyssey. Because Odysseus is King, it is respectable for all to obey him and his requests'. That is not the case, however. When Odysseus goes away for twenty years, it seems like no one is loyal to him. Suitors invade and take over his palace. They even try to marry his wife. When speaking about the suitors, Telemachus states, “They cine and loiter in our house and sacrifice our oxen and our sheep and our fat goats and make a holiday feast of it and drink bright wine recklessly” (II,55-58). The suitors are acting as though Odysseus is not alive and are carless about their disloyalty towards him. Penelope on the other hand, shows immense loyalty to her husband. Twenty years go by and she still has hope of his return. She refuses to give in to the suitors’ persistent attitude towards marrying her.
Those who do obey these codes of behavior show great amounts of respect for others and in this case, King Odysseus. Although Odysseus has to learn the hard way that not all societies have sophisticated codes of behavior as his does, he does expect to receive these codes of behavior and is willing to do the same. Having specific codes of behavior is very important in The Odyssey, as well as being able to abide by them.
Response Essay 1
Of all of the codes of behavior in The Odyssey, the two most prominent ones are hospitality and loyalty. Hospitality and loyalty was evident in the society of Ithaca as well as Ancient Greeks in general. Odysseus himself is faced with people who choose to be hospitable, like the Phaeacians and those who are not hospitable. He also has to deal with those who are disloyal to him, such as the suitors, and be thankful for those who do remain loyal to him, such as his wife Penelope. Hospitality and loyalty are two prominent and important codes of behavior in The Odyssey.
As a host or hostess, there are multiple behaviors and actions you are required to do. For example, a guest should expect to receive food, shelter, protection, entertainment, a bath, and gifts. And as a guest, you should provide your host with information about your journey, origin, and the family in which you come from. The best example of hospitality in the first half of
The Odyssey
, would be in books seven and eight. When Odysseus arrives to the palace of Alcinous, he is treated very well. Alcinous provides food for Odysseus as well as entertainment and gifts. Upon Odysseus’ arrival, Alcinous states, “Now, having feasted, go home and take your rest, and tomorrow at dawn we shall call the elders in, in great numbers, and entertain the guest in our halls, and to the immortals accomplish fine sacrifices, and after that we shall think of conveyance, and how out guest without annoyance or hardship man come again…” (7, 188-193). Not even knowing who Odysseus is, The Phaeacians are willing to provide Odysseus with the utmost hospitality. They offer to build him a ship to travel home in. At the end of book eight, Odysseus decides to reveal his identity, where he comes from and who his family is.
Loyalty is also another major code of behavior in
The Odyssey.
As King of Ithaca, all who live there are supposed to be loyal to Kind Odysseus, no matter what. That is not the case however. When Odysseus goes away for twenty years, it seems like no one is loyal to him. Suitors invade and take over his palace. They even try to marry his wife. When speaking about the suitors, Telemachus states, “They cine ad loiter in our house and sacrifice our oxen and our sheep and our fat goats and make a holiday feast of it and drink bright wine recklessly” (II,55-58). The suitors are acting like Odysseus is not alive and are carless about their disloyalty towards them. Penelope on the other hand, shows immense loyalty to her husband. Twenty years go by and she still has hope of his return. She refuses to give in to the suitors’ persistent attitude towards marrying her.
Those who do obey these codes of behavior show great amounts of respect for others and in this case, Kind Odysseus. Although Odysseus had to learn the hard way that not all societies have sophisticated codes of behavior as his, he does expect to receive these codes of behavior and is willing to do the same. These codes of behavior are very important and anyone who did not follow these codes of behavior did receive punishment.