Question

Think of an example from Part 2 of the Odyssey in which Odysseus displays a strong sense of responsibility to his family. How does Homer poetry the epic hero as highly aware of his responsibilities to his wife and son? Support your main ideas in an essay with references to the text of the epic.

Answer 1

Odysseus's sense of responsibility is showcased in Part 2 of 'The Odyssey' when he returns to reclaim his home and protect his family, reflecting the Greek virtue of arete. His actions depict him as a morally responsible hero, prioritizing the well-being and safety of his wife and son over personal desires.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Part 2 of The Odyssey, Odysseus displays a strong sense of responsibility to his family when he finally returns to Ithaca after twenty years. Throughout Homer's epic, Odysseus is portrayed as an epic hero who is highly aware of his responsibilities to his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus. One definitive example is Odysseus's strategic plotting to reclaim his home from the suitors who have overstepped their bounds. Despite the challenges and temptations he faces, his primary motivation remains the well-being and protection of his family and kingdom.

Homer's presentation of Odysseus embodies the Greek virtue of arete, which defines success not only in terms of physical and mental excellence but also moral character. Odysseus's cleverness, endurance, and sense of justice all feed into the overall narrative of an individual striving to fulfill his dutiful role despite the interference of divine will and natural forces. His commitment to family becomes particularly evident during his self-restraint upon hearing the suitors' abuse upon his homecoming and his subsequent strategy to deal with the threat they pose to his household.

By maintaining a low profile upon his initial return to Ithaca, Odysseus prioritizes the safety and long-term stability of his family over immediate gratification of his desires for revenge or recognition. He only reveals his identity when the time is right, ensuring a successful overthrow of the suitors. Through these actions, Homer crafts a character who exemplifies the hero's responsibilities — to his family, his name, and his kingdom.

Answer 2

In Book 2 of the Odyssey, Odysseus displays a strong sense of responsibility toward his family by making arrangements for their safety before he departs for the Trojan War. Homer portrays Odysseus as highly aware of his responsibilities to his wife and son by emphasizing his careful planning and attention to detail.

When the Trojan War is declared, Odysseus is reluctant to leave his family behind, but he knows that his duty to his country and his honor as a warrior demand that he go. Before he departs, however, he takes great care to ensure the safety and security of his wife and son. He entrusts them to the care of his loyal friend Mentor, who he believes will protect them and provide for them in his absence.

Homer's poetry emphasizes Odysseus's concern for his family by describing his preparations in detail. For example, when Odysseus instructs Mentor to care for his wife and son, he tells him to "be a father to [his] son, and a husband to [his] wife" (2.267). This shows that Odysseus is not just concerned with their physical safety, but also with their emotional well-being.

Homer also portrays Odysseus as a man who takes responsibility for his actions and their consequences. When he returns home after 20 years of wandering, he takes steps to ensure that his wife and son are safe from the revenge of the suitors who have taken over his palace. He does not simply rely on his own strength and cunning to defeat the suitors; instead, he enlists the help of his son Telemachus and his loyal followers to plan and execute a successful attack.

In conclusion, Homer portrays Odysseus as a man who takes his responsibilities to his family very seriously. He emphasizes Odysseus's careful planning and attention to detail, as well as his concern for his family's emotional well-being. Through his portrayal of Odysseus, Homer shows us that the true hero is not just a strong warrior, but also a responsible and caring family man.