You do an excellent job of identifying the immortal aspects of Homer. "Book 17's exploration of the relationship between appearance and reality speaks to contemporary concerns about authenticity."
The problem of authenticity is, in my view, one of the most major problems of the modern world, but it is by no means new. There is wisdom to be found in the ancient works.
Before reading your essay, my main takeaway from Book 17 was that details matter in creating a great story - and Book 17 is chock full of compelling, particularly how the suitors react to a lowly beggar and swineherd. Your essay, as usual, provides a deeper understanding of how the lessons of the Odyssey are universal and timeless.
How a society, or we as individuals, treat the powerless is true test of virtue. This is a bedrock principle of most world religions, and many cultural traditions including what is often referred to as Western Civilization. It is a source of constant bafflement that those who claim the U.S. is a Christian nation also have so much disregard, if not malice, toward the powerless among us.
The question as to when deception is justified is a difficult moral quandary. Odysseus's deception as a beggar is divinely ordained, and I believe all would agree is appropriate in service of the goals of bringing justice to the suitors and restoring order. We can all likely think of numerous circumstances where deception is justified in order to achieve a virtuous outcome. But it is difficult to articulate a guiding principle as to when deception is acceptable. It's like pornography - you know it when you see it.
On a final note, one detail in the engraving of the scene where Odysseus meets Argos stood out to me: Argos' prodigious muscles. I want a dog like that!
Book 17 is one of my favorite books as a part of this Deep Reads, and not just because it has a dog who waits long, long years for the return of his master.
One of the passages that stands out for me: "And crowds of servants I had, and lots of all it takes to live the life of ease, to make men call you rich." (293) This ties into the hierarchy within a communal system and life. You mention the need to have trust and mutual support within that system, and I reflect that everyone has a place and there exists a necessity for dignity.
Thank you for digging deep into character and kindness and how character can degenerate into cruelty and abuse of authority. I'd argue that such selfishness makes an entire population vulnerable because, as seen in the palace of Odysseus, there is considerable reckless behavior and a failure to resist, or rise up against the oppressors.
When is deception justified is a query too broad to answer with any degree of truth. I'm not sure if I would want a black and white authority while also understanding that the shades of gray can be a slippery slope.
You do an excellent job of identifying the immortal aspects of Homer. "Book 17's exploration of the relationship between appearance and reality speaks to contemporary concerns about authenticity."
The problem of authenticity is, in my view, one of the most major problems of the modern world, but it is by no means new. There is wisdom to be found in the ancient works.
"I, myself, did not throw the stool at the beggar" will not serve as a defense for the complicit suitors.
Great job! I loved how you drew the thread from ancient xenia to our modern ideas of dignity and leadership.
Before reading your essay, my main takeaway from Book 17 was that details matter in creating a great story - and Book 17 is chock full of compelling, particularly how the suitors react to a lowly beggar and swineherd. Your essay, as usual, provides a deeper understanding of how the lessons of the Odyssey are universal and timeless.
How a society, or we as individuals, treat the powerless is true test of virtue. This is a bedrock principle of most world religions, and many cultural traditions including what is often referred to as Western Civilization. It is a source of constant bafflement that those who claim the U.S. is a Christian nation also have so much disregard, if not malice, toward the powerless among us.
The question as to when deception is justified is a difficult moral quandary. Odysseus's deception as a beggar is divinely ordained, and I believe all would agree is appropriate in service of the goals of bringing justice to the suitors and restoring order. We can all likely think of numerous circumstances where deception is justified in order to achieve a virtuous outcome. But it is difficult to articulate a guiding principle as to when deception is acceptable. It's like pornography - you know it when you see it.
On a final note, one detail in the engraving of the scene where Odysseus meets Argos stood out to me: Argos' prodigious muscles. I want a dog like that!
Book 17 is one of my favorite books as a part of this Deep Reads, and not just because it has a dog who waits long, long years for the return of his master.
One of the passages that stands out for me: "And crowds of servants I had, and lots of all it takes to live the life of ease, to make men call you rich." (293) This ties into the hierarchy within a communal system and life. You mention the need to have trust and mutual support within that system, and I reflect that everyone has a place and there exists a necessity for dignity.
Thank you for digging deep into character and kindness and how character can degenerate into cruelty and abuse of authority. I'd argue that such selfishness makes an entire population vulnerable because, as seen in the palace of Odysseus, there is considerable reckless behavior and a failure to resist, or rise up against the oppressors.
When is deception justified is a query too broad to answer with any degree of truth. I'm not sure if I would want a black and white authority while also understanding that the shades of gray can be a slippery slope.