Explain how The Odyssey is an expression of ancient Greek values. In mulitple paragraph format.
From the Powerpoint info.
Homer’s texts demonstrated traditional Greek values, which they believed so superior to those of other cultures that these values alone explained why Greek civilization was so successful. Loosely, these values can be put into four basic categories: Respect for the gods, Hospitality, Justice, and Honor and Reputation.
What do we mean by Justice today?
Generally, that laws dictate behavior and
will be followed to determine fairness.
What did the ancient Greeks mean?
There were laws and a legal system. But
where do we see that in the epic?
Why doesn’t Menelaus go to court rather
than war when Paris takes Helen?
Note how the gods serve some of the same
function as laws (Calypso is told to release
Odysseus, for example).
Also note that laws are only for the powerful.
What do we mean by “reputation” and why
would it be so important in the ancient
world?
If laws were less pervasive than today,
reputation could act as law. You are
protected from others if you have a good
reputation. This explains much about
Odysseus.
What do we (at least in America) have as a
sort of equivalent (at least in theory)?
The Bill of Rights protects us from others
regardless of our reputation