In The Symposium translated by Robin Waterfield and The Odyssey translated by Andrew George, the concept of love is explored. In The Symposium, love is discussed at the dinner party hosted by Agathon, in which many Greek partygoers give their input, including Aristophanes. Aristophanes’ claim is that Love is what brings the halves together, the halves humans were split into by Zeus. Odysseus is on a quest that takes him from his kingdom and wife. Although Odysseus has relationships with other women on his quest, he still insists on going back to his wife, whom he loves. Thus, Odysseus’ relentlessness to go back to Penelope is evident of Aristophanes’ theory of Love and going back to his other half. While at the symposium hosted by Agathon, Greek poets and philosophers discuss the god of Love. Aristophanes’ states that Zeus “split every single one of them into two halves” (26), because the humans had tried to come up and attack the gods. He then claims that, “Love draws our original nature back together; he tries to reintegrate us and heal the split in our nature,[... humans are]
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Odysseus’ long absence brings out the suitors who assume Odysseus’ demise. However, despite waiting many years, Penelope never falters and still waits for her lover. To keep the suitors waiting at bay, she tricks them by saying, “Young men—my suitors, since Odysseus is dead— Eager as you are to marry me, you must wait Until I finish this robe—it would be a shame To waste my spinning—a shroud for the hero Laertes, when death’s doom lays him low” (170). Penelope doesn't give into the belief that Odysseus is dead, rather she keeps delaying to give him time to return. Penelope’s love for Odysseus is what keeps her going, as he is her other half. Just like Odysseus and Calypso’s situation, Penelope has the opportunity to forgo her relationship to move on and remarry but she
Odysseus’ long absence brings out the suitors who assume Odysseus’ demise. However, despite waiting many years, Penelope never falters and still waits for her lover. To keep the suitors waiting at bay, she tricks them by saying, “Young men—my suitors, since Odysseus is dead— Eager as you are to marry me, you must wait Until I finish this robe—it would be a shame To waste my spinning—a shroud for the hero Laertes, when death’s doom lays him low” (170). Penelope doesn't give into the belief that Odysseus is dead, rather she keeps delaying to give him time to return. Penelope’s love for Odysseus is what keeps her going, as he is her other half. Just like Odysseus and Calypso’s situation, Penelope has the opportunity to forgo her relationship to move on and remarry but she