“Manhood - the qualities that are considered typical of a man” (Cambridge Dictionary). Even though the Cambridge Dictionary defines manhood in a somewhat gender-equal way, it still has its flaws. What are the typical qualities of a man? Strength? Courage? Power? Honor?? If the exact selection of these characteristics are unknown, one thing is as clear as water: man has never had any traits like woman. Almost never in the ancient or modern literature readers find a “manly man” described as shy, gentle, kind or beautiful. Indeed, throughout the times of civilization, the status a “manly man” hasn’t changed much and one of the best examples are The Odyssey and Home. Especially when it comes to peace at home, saving the day, and showing power.
Even though power could be shown in various ways, two works are choosing violence. Throughout the author’s storytelling readers are able to see that more violence one produces more power, and strength one has. This is also a very important theme in The Odyssey where violence is shown everywhere, yet not once with a bad attitude. Such would include scenes where suitors are showing their power with violence and their plan to kill Telemachus, Odyssey is killing the suitors; and the rest which includes Odyssey’s whole journey home. Because of these violent scenes readers are sure that Odyssey, Telemachus, Suitors and other violent characters …show more content…
This could be accepted as a bad or a good fact depending on a world view. However, it doesn’t only give man hard time keeping up with being a man, especially in 21st century, it also hurts woman by positioning them on the other side to whom “manly man’s” qualities can’t apply to. Thus, this topic of manhood is still important and need to be worked on by societies today. Manhood in these two works of literature display good base to understand what have been unchanged traits of
Even though power could be shown in various ways, two works are choosing violence. Throughout the author’s storytelling readers are able to see that more violence one produces more power, and strength one has. This is also a very important theme in The Odyssey where violence is shown everywhere, yet not once with a bad attitude. Such would include scenes where suitors are showing their power with violence and their plan to kill Telemachus, Odyssey is killing the suitors; and the rest which includes Odyssey’s whole journey home. Because of these violent scenes readers are sure that Odyssey, Telemachus, Suitors and other violent characters …show more content…
This could be accepted as a bad or a good fact depending on a world view. However, it doesn’t only give man hard time keeping up with being a man, especially in 21st century, it also hurts woman by positioning them on the other side to whom “manly man’s” qualities can’t apply to. Thus, this topic of manhood is still important and need to be worked on by societies today. Manhood in these two works of literature display good base to understand what have been unchanged traits of