The Odyssey Group

Question:

animal1212
animal1212
Student
High School - 9th Grade

How was greed displayed throughout "The Odyssey"?

What are some examples?

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Posted by animal1212 on Monday March 23, 2009 at 9:22 AM and tagged with greed, odyssey, the odyssey.

Answers:


  1. gbeatty Teacher
    College - Freshman

    eNotes Editor

    Greed appears numerous times throughout "The Odyssey." It is a complex topic, because it relates to the Homeric virtue of honor, and the Greek virtue of xenia (hospitality or host/guest relations). Great warriors had to be recognized through getting prizes (stuff, honors, gold, even slaves); guests had to be treated well. These could look like greed, but are other, related issues. Greed itself can be seen in how the Cyclops was unwilling to host Odysseus and his men, but literally ate them instead. It can also be seen in how the suitors stayed eating and drinking at Ithaca for so long—long after good manners would have forced them to leave.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/odyssey/themes

    Rate answer:

    Posted by gbeatty on Monday March 23, 2009 at 9:50 AM