The Odyssey Theme of Principles

In the Odyssey, respect and reputation are won in several ways. Key among them is the display of courage in battle. It is also important to honor one’s hosts, guests, and the dead. At times, it is even crucial to indulge the enemy’s requests, especially when it involves royalty or their dead. Because many of the qualities valued in the world of the Odyssey relate to domestic life as well, women could also win glory for excellence in upholding them. Still, questions are raised in the Odyssey as to the value of glory – especially when it comes at the expense of one’s death. The epic’s end, however, does seem to reaffirm the value of honor at all costs.

1. How does a man win honor in the Odyssey? How does a woman?
2. What characteristics define honor in the ancient Greek tradition, at least as far as you can tell from this epic?
3. How does desire for glory sometimes interfere with one’s reputation or sense of honor? Think about the deaths of Telamonian Aias and Little Aias.
4. Why must Elpenor’s wishes be honored? What kind of glory does he win by having Odysseus give him a proper burial? Isn’t he already dead? Who cares?
5. Is "honor" a human concept in the Odyssey, or one handed down from the gods?
6. Why does Odysseus’s lack of compassion and mercy for the suitors prove not to be a blow to his honor?

Odysseus is obligated to avenge himself on the suitors in order to restore honor to his house.