The Role Of Loyalty In Homer's Odyssey

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Loyalty is one of the most important aspects that one can withhold. Since the beginning of time, loyalty has existed. For one to be loyal, they possess means to believe in something or someone and remain faithful and reliable. It also means to stay true to that person or thing, by showing firm and constant support or allegiance to the person or thing. In Homer’s Odyssey, we can see how Odysseus is loyal to his men. The loyalty demonstrated by Odysseus is quite similar to that of present times. There is a variety of ways one can prove their loyalty, whether it is through consistency or sticking to a side no matter the consequences. However, loyalty to another person or to a cause may be a commendable trait, but it can lead to either positive or negative consequences.
Today in America, politics is a good example of how loyalty can be defined or referred to. People remain loyal to a specific political party and their representatives of their choice. There are many traditions that can be seen in the political arena. Some traditions can be identified as we relate to Ancient Greece for example in Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus shows loyalty to his men by refusing to dine with Circe, because she turned his men into pigs. He will only eat with Circe until she turns them back into men again. “If, you really want me to eat and drink, set them free…” (Hom. Od. 10. 426-427). Circe held the upper hand and Odysseus had to eat but he did not enjoy the meal because his men were still pigs. Also Circe, wanted to have sex with Odysseus. He did not want to be intimate with her, until she promised to turn his men from pigs into men again. After Circe swore the oath that Odysseus made her swear which is to turn his men into men again, he finally had sex with her. After Odysseus was convinced that their tragedy was over, he allowed himself to have sex. Again, Odysseus displays loyalty to his men. We can relate loyalty like this to our current time for example Abraham Lincoln was an admirable figure in the United States and around the world. Germany was one of his biggest fans, many Germans keeps Lincolns memory alive through various acts. Nagler states “Today, enthusiasm for Lincoln remains strong in Germany” Even though Lincoln did not have direct actions with Germany, the people there were impressed about what he did for America. He abolished slavery and ended the war. This shows loyalty to the American people. Germans were very observant of Lincoln’s actions in the United States. A conservative, is a person who has traditional values and is cautious about change. Conservatives are very loyal beings to their party. They would defend other Conservative politicians, even if they are practicing unethical behavior. “We would have defended them, he replied. That's the way it is” (Rosenbaum). Nancy Reagan was known for showing the loyalty to her husband as she stayed by his side and took care of him until he died in 2004. The greatest act of loyalty that a person can do for another person, is to ensure that the person’s memory will never be forgotten. Nancy made sure that her husband’s legacy will be heard of “She dedicated herself
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The government of China, do not respect the residents of Tibet and they treat them with no ethics. Tibet is under strict party control it is so bad that foreign journalists are prevented from visiting Tibet in order to keep the conditions from the media. Despite being treated poorly the Tibetan people remain g loyal to their roots and to the government of China. Here they quote “We want to express gratitude to the Communist Party and State Council” (Franchineau). The Tibetan people feel that it is tradition to stay loyal to the Communist Party, as it is a reflection of who they are and their historical roots. We can also relate back to Odysseus’s men and how they remained extremely loyal to him, while he was with Circe. “You’re back again, my king!” (Hom. Od. 10. 463). His men could have lost their trust in him and their loyalty for him, but they didn’t because they knew Odysseus was also loyal to them. Loyalty is not a one way street, both parties have to have the same good

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