and Homer portrays different family relationships such as mother-son, father-son and husband-wife. Arguably, father and son interactions is a relationship that stood out. Examples include between Polyphemus and Poseidon. The husband and wife relationship is evident between Penelope and Odysseus. Penelope remains to be faithful to her husband even after he was away for a long time. She does not give in to his suitors despite the many offers she gets from the suitors such as gifts, and wealth. In a family, respect, honor and faithfulness are paramount for a family to stand firm. The members are willing to fight and die for one another. People such as Polyphemus and Poseidon take revenge to help the family members.
Family experiences build strong friendships. Homer’s story is told from a familial origin, and the families are connected. Notably, homer presents ample noble families where a person’s deeds are reflected in the entire family. This bears the family honor and reputation called kleos. Family members support one another in times of need. For example, the goddess Athene constantly supports Odyssey. The family is a source of inspiration as it is evident in Odyssey and his father. Telemachus is inspired to search for his father. Again, Athene stands with Odyssey when he battles against his suitors. The unity of family in odyssey is highlighted through the defense and protection that each provides to one another. Odyssey portrays that family is important and that family members are always there for one another in times of trouble. The family members show love and care which develop strong family ties. Family plays a critical role in teaching good moral values such as faithfulness, hospitality and self-control.
Values that Characterize the Father-Son Relationship
The relationship between the fathers and sons in odyssey is characterized by moral values such as respect and honor. Fathers and sons stick to one another and offer support when needed. It does not matter whether they have known each other for a short or long time. Sons and fathers are compelled to protect one another. The good friendship is evident between Polyphemus and his father, Poseidon. Polyphemus calls on his father to punish Odyssey for making him suffer, and Poseidon complies. Polyphemus tells his father that “Poseidon if I really am your son and you claim to be my father- come, grant that Odysseus, raider of cities never reaches home and if he’s fated to see his people once again, let him find a world of pain at home!” (Homer 134). The strength of their relationship makes the father develop the need to protect his son even though they do not know each another well. Poseidon holds a grudge towards Odysseus and makes him suffer before returning home due to vengeance he has for his son against him. The father-son relationship indicates that in times of difficulties, it is important to stick together.
The relationship portrayed between Odysseus and Telemachus is also worth noting. The two support each other as a father and son. They also do not know each other well because Odyssey left for war when Telemachus was only two years old. Despite this, the father and the son still have a strong bond between them. Moreover, Telemachus did not want to believe that his father is dead and he risked it all to find his father. Telemachus helps his father when Odyssey plans to kill his suitors. Odysseus is determined to reunite with his son after 20 years.
Laertes also yearns for his son Odysseus to come home, and he becomes overjoyed when he sees his son return back home. He even cries tears of joy after seeing the son. Laertes stands with Odyssey in her attempts to protect the family. The father-son relationship between Agamemnon and Orestes is also evident when Agamemnon is killed. Orestes believes that he has the responsibility of defending the honor of his father. At many at times, the interaction shows that the father wants what is best for their sons.
Notably, Odyssey does a good job to exemplify the way the father-son relationship is influential. Evidently, fathers act as role models to their sons and are fundamental in determining their actions. Pisistratus respects his father, and the father is a courteous person. They protect one another, and their relationship is strengthened. They are both influential to one another. Pisastratus shows respect to his father and follows his commands. He displays bravery and act of courage when he goes with Telemachus on a journey to finds his father. Orestes shows how sons were respectful and loyal to their fathers especially when he takes revenge against Aegisthus. Orestes goes ahead to kill Clytemnestra in order to show honor and respects to his father.
Antinous, the son of eupeithes, showcases the importance of the father-son relationship. The two have similar characters such as violent and mean. The fathers are essential in passing the legacy to their sons as they carry on the family name. Sons are expected to honor the legacies that are built by their fathers and have the duty to protect their families. Fathers teach sons good morals, and Odyssey shows that respect was a huge value that was cherished and maintained the father-son relationship.
Family continuity between generations
Homer clearly portrays that the idea of family continuity between generations was vital for families to survive. In Odyssey, all the sons of various families carry their father’s name. Some of the sons take the qualities of their fathers. For example, Telemachus is talented and bright just like the father. Telemachus fights for similar aims and goals like his father odyssey and protects the family. Similarly, Polyphemus like his father Poseidon is vengeful, and this character ensures family continuity. Siring children especially boys was vied to be a fundamental aspect in upholding the name of the family. Men were more valued compared to women as they were essential in generational continuity. As a result, the need for family continuity was strengthened by developing strong bonds between fathers and sons. Boys carried the family name and values from the beginning, and they were mandated to defend it at all cost even if it called for death. Antinous and his father are ungrateful and vengeful, and it is clear that even after a generation the qualities of a family are carried through in all generations.
Conclusion
Homer’s work is widely acclaimed as a masterpiece, and it still finds relevance in the modern literature. A reader can be able to note that family plays a vital role in supporting, inspiring and helping one another. The work shows that honor and respect are qualities that were crucial in building a father-son relationship. Again children particularly sons were indispensable in attempts to ensure generational continuity.
Work Cited
Homer S. Odyssey. Mankato, Minn.: Capstone Press. 2004.
