Odyssey

In Homer's Odyssey, there are multiple examples of the theme revenge. Many characters had journeys involving revenge and took different views on the impact that the revenge had on each character. It does explain why the journey of Odysseus was so long and enduring. There are original fears and known consequences from the idea of revenge, as Hermes advised Aegisthus, "Don't murder the man, don't court his wife. Beware, revenge will come from Orestes..". The word "beware" indicates that revenge is something to fear and be mindful of as a consequence. After the deed was done, it was told, "Orestes took revenge, he killed that cunning, murderous, Aegisthus..". In many cases, the actions of one character brings the revenge that then sets the tone for the next scene. For example, Zeus' revenge is what begins the journey of Odysseus. Revenge holds a negative connotation throughout the Odyssey as does in everyday life. It is something that is feared and worked against, however it is what fuels the entire story; without revenge and the actions of the characters, there would be no other journeys or consequences following.

Comments

  1. Tiffany CadizMarch 10, 2019 at 4:34 PM

    When Zeus begins the negative cycle of the seeking revenge, it negatively impacted personal Odysseus life as you prominently mentioned. However, can the violent action of another being scarcely controlled one's personal life for the remainder of their remarkable journey? Revenge is what one produces of it and how to take the negativity and convey it into a positive connotation. If situations were done differently, would it change the course of Odysseus path? Will he simply return to where he needed to be and whom he became in order to be the man he was now? Revenge molds oneself, even though minor set back can occur; ones true active life will always come back to one another.

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  2. World Lit ProfMarch 16, 2019 at 12:14 PM

    Where do you see revenge play into Odysseus’ story? What is the biggest example of revenge in the book? Why does Odysseus seek revenge? Note: Orestes is a reference to another story. Orestes was Agamemnon’s son. Agamemnon was the leader of the Greek fleet that set out to get Helen back after she was abducted by the Trojans. While he as away, his wife and her lover take over and murder him when he returns. Orestes was Agamemnon’s son who murders his mother and her lover to avenge his father’s death. Why do you think this story comes up in The Odyssey?

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