Validity Of Odysseus's Actions example essay topic

When Odysseus returned home to his wife and son, he took a very brutal method to rid his home of the suitors who had run over his household. This revenge was also taken out upon the servants and maids who had been unfaithful to Penelope and had slept with the suitors. Some may say this punishment was too harsh, and made Odysseus less than an honorable man. However, Odysseus's actions are justifiable. Indeed those who occupied the lord's manor during his absence did so with no honor. But one may argue that Odysseus' method of punishment was far too brutal, especially for the murder of the ladies who had dishonored his household.

How could a man of respectable qualities do such a horrid thing, how could he soak his own home in blood? Even after Odysseus had killed Atinoos, those who begged mercy saying that Antin oos had led them to their dishonor, were slain brutally. All this harshness to others because Odysseus desired revenge on the number of men lusting for Penelope. This seems unjustifiable, and very inhumane. Odysseus was so overcome with his hate that he lost control, perhaps it was his years of denying the power of the gods that led him to brutality. Odysseus's actions are indeed aggressive and morality at this point in his life seems to have faded.

All these things considered, the validity of Odysseus's actions remain fair. Because of his denial of the power of the gods, Poseidon forced Odysseus to the raging sea. For these years that he was apart from Penelope and Telemachus he felt such pain and longing for Ithaka. And when Odysseus returned finally to his home only to hear of suitors and harlots about his home, he had to take revenge on them for his pain. This pain was brought about through lies and betrayal.

His long journey led him through many tribulations, all of which had a direct effect on his mind. Odysseus's defense system had to be at it's highest at all times. For example; when Aeolus helped Odysseus by summoning the opposing wind into a bag, Odysseus's companions betrayed his trust by letting the wind free. This prevented him from reaching Ithaka just when they were in sight of it's shores.

Because of this betrayal Odysseus's trust in his brothers was lost. His hope dwindled as his journey continued, and ate away at his conscious. Odysseus was a man of honor, a man who had fought in a war and won. For such a courageous man to return home to find it full, idly standing by would not be considered virtuous. In order to prove that his status of King remained a strong title, Odysseus had to purge his home of rogues, and fancy women who had dishonored his lady. Such was acceptable at his time, and therefore considered common.

Odysseus's sense of honor was vital in his role as an adventurer and a monarch of Ithaka. During this time period men were brought up on the teachings of battle. As they grew they were taught how to handle arms and were expected to hone these skills. Killing a man to defend ones honor was as valid as killing a man in battle, and thus was more easily accepted.

Women were also raised in this surroundings and often had brothers who were taught to wield a sword, and so accepted the tradition of which men went about their training. For instance; when Odysseus came upon the men in truth ready to kill Penelope's suitors, the men took to arms picking up shields and weapons. All of these men were familiar with the ways of the time and the ways of battle. Odysseus should not be condemned for his actions. There are many justifiable reasons for the method in which he punished those who were disloyal and uncivil.

One should take into consideration his trials, and put themselves in Odysseus's place. If you came home after twenty years, and found men about your wife, (or women about your husband) would you consider morality first? In Odysseus's case anyway, his all powerful heart and emotion filled his brain with rage. And any human being today would submit their mind to their feelings if their souls had been tossed about on the sea by Poseidon.