
In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus shows his loyalty to his wife, Penelope, in a number of ways. Despite having affairs with two immortal women, Circe and Calypso, during his journey, Odysseus is emotionally faithful to Penelope. Getting back to her and their son, Telemachus, is always his top priority. Even when he is with Circe and Calypso, he never gives his heart to them, and his romance is always with Penelope. When he finally returns to Ithaca, he is very keen to see whether Penelope has been loyal to him. Penelope, for her part, remains faithful to Odysseus during his long absence, resisting the advances of her many suitors.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Emotionally faithful | High |
Priority to get back home | High |
Physically unfaithful | Low |
What You'll Learn
Odysseus is emotionally faithful to Penelope
While Odysseus does have romantic relationships with two other women during his journey, he remains emotionally faithful to his wife, Penelope.
Odysseus is trying to get home from the Trojan War, and is gone for many years. Although he sleeps with Calypso and Circe, his top priority is getting back home to Penelope and their son, Telemachus. Even when he is withsection=Calypso, he mentions Penelope, showing that he is pining to be back home with his wife.
When Odysseus finally does return to Ithaca, he is very keen to see whether Penelope has been loyal to him. Their mutual cunning proves how well-matched they are. Penelope had remained faithful to Odysseus during his absence, despite the many suitors who pursued her. She always found ways to put them off, including telling them that she would only marry one of them once she had finished weaving a shroud for Laertes, Odysseus' father. For three years, she unravelled her work every night, until one of her servants revealed the secret to the suitors.
Odysseus and Penelope's reunion after 20 years is described as follows:
> The more she spoke, the more a deep desire for tears welled up inside his breast—he wept as he held the wife he loved, the soul of loyalty, in his arms at last
Upon reuniting with Penelope, Odysseus’s reaction suggests that he was loyal to her throughout his journey.
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He always prioritises returning to her
While Odysseus does have romantic relationships with two other women during his journey, he remains emotionally faithful to Penelope, and getting back to her is always his top priority.
Odysseus is gone for 20 years, and during that time, Penelope never betrays her husband. She is portrayed as virtuous and holds out hope for her husband's safety. She even devises a plan to put off her suitors by telling them she will only marry one of them once she has finished weaving a shroud for Laertes, Odysseus' father. For three years, she spends her days working on the cloth and then unravels her work every night.
Odysseus, too, is always trying to get back to Penelope. When he is finally reunited with her, he embraces her with "none of the thoughts or memories of guilt one would get from breaking their partner's trust", suggesting that he remained loyal throughout his journey.
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He is delighted to be reunited with his wife
Odysseus's commitment to his marriage with Penelope is evident in his journey back to her. Despite his numerous affairs, including those with Circe and Calypso, and the birth of his son with Circe, Odysseus's actions and emotions upon his reunion with Penelope demonstrate his delight and relief at being back with his wife.
Firstly, it is important to note that Odysseus's affairs with Circe and Calypso were not necessarily a choice. As a mere mortal, refusing a goddess could be unwise and dangerous. Furthermore, it is suggested that Odysseus's relationships with these goddesses were not romantic but rather a strategic means to an end—a way to ensure his survival and eventual return home.
Upon his reunion with Penelope, Odysseus's reaction is one of profound emotion and relief. He weeps as he holds his wife, demonstrating that he has been loyal to her throughout his journey and that his love for her has endured. This moment of embrace is not tainted by guilt or selfish thoughts, further reinforcing his emotional fidelity to Penelope.
Odysseus's commitment to his marriage is further exemplified by his eagerness to see whether Penelope has remained loyal to him during his absence. Their mutual cunning and ability to trick each other showcase their intellectual compatibility and the strength of their bond.
Additionally, Odysseus's persistence in returning home, despite numerous challenges and a twenty-year absence, underscores his devotion to Penelope and their marriage. He endures countless trials and tribulations, never wavering in his determination to reunite with his beloved wife and reclaim his place in Ithaca.
Finally, Odysseus's delight at being reunited with Penelope is not solely confined to their initial reunion. Even after he has returned, Odysseus continues to display his devotion to his wife. In one instance, he bravely goes to see Penelope, unsure if she will recognise him or want to be with him after his long absence. This act of courage demonstrates his unwavering commitment to their relationship and his desire to be with her, regardless of the uncertainties.
In conclusion, while Odysseus's physical fidelity to Penelope may be questionable due to his affairs, his emotional loyalty is evident. His actions and emotions upon their reunion, his persistence in returning home, and his continued devotion to her even after their reunion, all showcase his delight and relief at being reunited with his beloved wife.
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He is loyal to his family
In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus shows loyalty to his family, specifically his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus, in several ways. Firstly, despite his prolonged absence, Odysseus always prioritises returning to his family in Ithaca. Although he faces numerous obstacles and is gone for many years, he never loses sight of his goal to get back home to Penelope and Telemachus. This demonstrates his emotional faithfulness and commitment to his family.
Secondly, when Odysseus finally reaches Ithaca, he is keen to see if Penelope has remained loyal to him during his absence. This suggests that family honour and respect are important to him, and he wants to ensure that his wife has upheld the family name and reputation in his absence. Additionally, Odysseus is protective of his family and takes action when he learns that suitors have invaded his home and are pursuing Penelope. With the help of his son and servants, Odysseus successfully removes the suitors from his house, demonstrating his loyalty and dedication to protecting his family.
Furthermore, Odysseus's loyalty to his family is evident in his interactions with the goddess Calypso. Although Calypso offers Odysseus immortality if he stays with her, he refuses and chooses to return to his mortal family instead. This decision shows that Odysseus values his family more than eternal life, further emphasising his loyalty and devotion to them.
Lastly, Odysseus's loyalty to his family is also reflected in Penelope's unwavering faithfulness to him during his twenty-year absence. Despite being pursued by numerous suitors, Penelope remains devoted to Odysseus and finds clever ways to delay their advances, such as weaving a shroud for Laertes and setting a challenge to string Odysseus's bow. Penelope's loyalty to Odysseus, even in his prolonged absence, demonstrates the strength of their family bond and the mutual trust between them.
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He is committed to the values of his society
In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus's commitment to the values of his society is evident in his unwavering determination to return home to his wife, Penelope, and their son, Telemachus. Despite his encounters with goddesses and nymphs, his ultimate goal remains to reunite with his family. This loyalty to his family and societal expectations demonstrates his commitment to the values of his society.
Odysseus's commitment to his society's values is further illustrated by his willingness to endure hardships and dangers on his journey home. He bravely faces obstacles and overcomes challenges to return to his family, even though he has been away for many years. This dedication to his family and home reflects the importance placed on familial bonds and the stability of the patriarchal line in ancient Greek society.
Additionally, Odysseus's loyalty to Penelope is demonstrated through his emotional faithfulness. Despite his physical infidelity with Circe and Calypso, he never loses sight of his goal to return to his wife. He longs for his home and expresses his desire to be back with Penelope, even when faced with the allure of immortality offered by the goddess Calypso.
The strength of Odysseus and Penelope's marriage lies not in romantic love but in their mutual commitment to societal expectations. Penelope is praised for her fidelity and her role as a custodian of Odysseus's property and lineage. Similarly, Odysseus's loyalty is measured by his dedication to reclaiming his lands, his son, and his wife, thus reinforcing the values of his society.
The story of Odysseus and Penelope reflects the ancient Greek perspective on marriage, which was based on social needs rather than romantic love. Their loyalty to each other is rooted in their commitment to societal norms and the preservation of family honour. By prioritising these values, Odysseus demonstrates his alignment with the societal expectations of his time.
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Frequently asked questions
Despite having affairs with two immortal women, Circe and Calypso, Odysseus is emotionally faithful to Penelope. Getting back to her and their son, Telemachus, is always his top priority.
Penelope is portrayed as virtuous and faithful to Odysseus. She holds out hope for her husband's safety for 20 years after he goes to war and has no other relationships during that time.
Odysseus grows increasingly unhappy sharing the bed of Calypso, a nymph, and spends only one year with her. He stays with Circe for seven years but eventually longs to return home to Penelope.