Resumo de Ideals Of Ancient Greece Portrayed In The Odyssey

One of the traits the Greeks held in high esteem was intelligence. For
example, when Odysseus encountered the cyclops Polyphemus, his quick
wits saved his life. Telling Polyphemus that his name was ?nobody?
protected Odysseus from incurring the wrath of the other cyclopses,
when Polyphemus cried out for help. Not only did Odysseus save his
life, but he was rewarded with Polyphemus?s flock of sheep. However
being foolish resulted in consequences. By mocking Polyphemus and
shouting ?Cyclops, if anyone ever asks you how you came by your
blindness, tell them your eye was put out by Odysseus, sacker of
cities, the son of Laertes, who lives in Ithaca.? (Pg 139 Ln 502) After
this fatuous taunt, Odysseus was plagued with Poseidon?s anger for
nearly ten years. Furthermore, Odysseus was revered by fellow humans
and favored by the gods for his astuteness. Upon defeating the Trojans
with his ingenious scheme, Odysseus?s fame as a brilliant strategist
spread around the world. Henceforth Odysseus was called ?favorite of
Zeus, Odysseus of the nimble wits.? (Pg 161 Ln 60) In addition,
Penelope is an example of how the ancient Greeks valued a keen
intellect. Penelope?s shrewd plot to weave Laertes? death shroud, and
then to unravel it each night, showed her cleverness. Revered by all
for her intelligence, like Odysseus, explains why Penelope had so many
suitors. However because of their ignorance towards courtesy, Penelope
did want any of them. All these examples illustrate the Greek value of
intelligence.

Another quality honored by the Greeks was refinement. The Greeks always
gave generous gifts to any visitor that appeared at their door. This
exemplified some of their good manners. The reasons for this are
general kindness and to make allies which would assist you in times of
need. At a god?s whim you could find yourself shucked across the world
without any means for getting home, similar to Odysseus?s plight after
his greedy crew had opened the gift from Aeolus. An instance where
generosity proved helpful afterwards was when Eumaeus nourished and
sheltered Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca, not even knowing that the
beggar was really Odysseus in disguise. Greeting each other cordially
and respectfully also shows that the ancient Greeks valued refinement.
For example, when Odysseus appealed to Arete for aid on returning to
Ithaca he said, ?Arete, daughter of godlike Rhexnor, as one who has
suffered much may I come a suppliant to your husband, to you, and to
your guests. May the gods grant them happiness for life, and may each
bequeath to his sons the treasures oh his house and the honors bestowed
on him by the people.? (Pg 99 Ln 47) Odysseus not only complimented
Arete through her father which exemplifies respect and admiration
towards her and her family, but he also genially wished the best for
all in her company. This shows that the Greeks valued more than a
simple ?Hi, I am fine. Can I have some food?? The Greeks? disfavor
towards greed also shows how they value politeness and civility. Aside
from the occurrence with Aeolus another example is when Polyphemus had
his eye stabbed out. Had he been kind and charitable towards Odysseus
and his crew, his eye would still work properly. Hyperion?s cattle fit
correspondingly with this theme. Despite the warning from Theban
Teiresias, and Odysseus?s command to leave the cattle alone, Odysseus?s
crew still slaughtered and ate Hyperion?s cattle. As a result of this
Zeus destroyed their ship, killing all but Odysseus. This showed that
the gods detest greed. The best example of this is the suitors though.
Their utter lack of respect toward Odysseus? family and property made
the suitors the most hated characters in The Odyssey. Because of their
flagrant avarice, every last suitor was killed. Not only were the
suitors killed, the maids that favored the suitors were also put to
death.

Today refinement and intelligence remain importantvalues in society.
We still strive for excellence in academics and parents teach their
children manners and how to act civilly. Despite thousands of years and
different sides of the Earth, traits such as these significantly
prevail.

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