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Odysseus Pursuit Of Honor In Homer's Odyssey

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The idea of revenge is one closely tied with that of honor. In many instances the two are intertwined in a seemingly delicate balance. On the one hand the idea that one must uphold their honor is a persuasive argument, yet a person pursuing a path to maintain their integrity and status can often become swayed and have their actions dictated by the feelings of revenge. In the case of the Homer’s epic The Odyssey translated by Robert Fitzgerald, we see these two ideas clashing on a canvas filled with mystical creatures and legendary challenges. Odysseus wants to maintain the honor of his family and yet some might argue that that his actions are motivated by revenge. His actions, abrupt as they may have been, were motivated by a keen sense of justice and desire …show more content…
Although Odysseus’s treatment of the maids might have ultimately been too harsh, the swift justice he brought the suitors who plagued his house and family is justifiable through the suitor’s lack of respect and ongoing treachery. The actions of Odysseus towards the maids was too harsh and ultimately, he should have spared them. Before Odysseus kills the suitors, he watches as the maids of his house come forward and sleep with the suitors “laughing as they slipped out, arm in arm … to the suitor’s bed’s” (375). This enrages him leading him to eventually ask his son after the death in the hall to “hack them with your sword blades till you cut the life out of them” (423). He wishes to kill and dismember the women who betrayed his family. After killing every single treacherous suitor, he feels the need to continue his crusade to the maids. Without a second thought, he orders them to be killed. His actions in this instance are fueled not by rational thought but simply a lust for revenge. He isn’t rationalizing and is more interested in destroying everything related to the suitors. Odysseus fails to realize and accept some key factors in

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