Suitors

Definition

Suitors are the group of men who vie for the hand of Penelope, Odysseus's wife, during his long absence in Homer's 'Odyssey'. They represent themes of desire, disrespect, and the challenge to Odysseus's rightful place in his household. Their actions create a significant conflict in the narrative, as they consume Odysseus's resources and disrupt the order of his home while simultaneously revealing various moral and social issues of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The suitors invade Odysseus's home in Ithaca, consuming his wealth and disrespecting his family during his absence.
2. They are portrayed as arrogant and selfish characters who believe they are entitled to marry Penelope because of Odysseus's presumed death.
3. The suitors' presence symbolizes a breakdown of social order and respect for family ties within Greek culture.
4. Odysseus's eventual return leads to the suitors' downfall, emphasizing themes of justice and retribution in the narrative.
5. The character dynamics between Penelope, Telemachus, and the suitors illustrate the tension between loyalty and betrayal that runs throughout the 'Odyssey'.

Review Questions

• How do the suitors contribute to the main conflict in 'The Odyssey'?
  • The suitors create significant conflict by invading Odysseus's home and disrespecting both him and Penelope. Their persistent pressure on Penelope to choose a new husband not only threatens her loyalty but also challenges Odysseus's identity as head of the household. This situation escalates into a battle between Odysseus and the suitors upon his return, highlighting themes of justice and reestablishing order.
• Discuss how Penelope's interactions with the suitors reflect her character traits and role within 'The Odyssey'.
  • Penelope's interactions with the suitors reveal her intelligence, resilience, and loyalty. Despite being surrounded by arrogant men who pressure her to remarry, she cleverly stalls their advances using various tactics, such as weaving and unweaving a tapestry. This demonstrates her cunning nature and deep commitment to Odysseus. Her ability to maintain her dignity amidst chaos further cements her role as a strong female figure within the epic.
• Evaluate the thematic implications of hospitality (xenia) concerning the suitors' behavior in 'The Odyssey', especially regarding Greek cultural values.
  • The behavior of the suitors starkly contrasts with the principles of xenia, which underscores Greek cultural values surrounding hospitality. Their entitlement and greedy consumption of Odysseus’s resources illustrate a blatant disregard for these traditions. This violation not only sets them against Odysseus but also emphasizes the consequences of straying from societal norms. Ultimately, their fate serves as a cautionary tale about respect for others and adherence to cultural expectations.

Related terms

Penelope: Penelope is the faithful wife of Odysseus, known for her intelligence and cunning, particularly her loyalty while navigating the pressures from the suitors.

Telemachus: Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope, who grows from a passive youth to an active participant in confronting the suitors as he seeks to reclaim his father's legacy.

Xenia: Xenia is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality that emphasizes respect and generosity towards guests; the suitors violate this principle through their greed and entitlement.