The Odyssey - Amphimedon shows that Greek society valued loyalty because of the way
the suitors treat Penelope.
Penelope treats the suitors.
Amphimedon treats Agamemnon.
Agamemnon treats Amphimedon.
The Odyssey depicts Amphimedon showing loyalty to Agamemnon, which demonstrates the value Greek society placed on loyalty. Amphimedon remains faithful to Agamemnon even after his death, as he recounts the events that took place in Ithaca while Odysseus was away. Amphimedon's loyalty is highlighted through his admiration and respect for Agamemnon, as well as his commitment to recounting the truth of the events that occurred in his absence. This portrayal of loyalty serves as an example of the importance Greeks placed on allegiance and fidelity to one's leader.
In the Odyssey, Amphimedon's character does not directly portray Greek society valuing loyalty. However, we can explore other characters and events in the story that illustrate this theme.
1. The suitors' treatment of Penelope: The suitors in the Odyssey display disloyalty and disrespect towards Penelope, Odysseus' wife. They relentlessly pursue her, neglecting their own noble duties and disregarding the fact that she remains faithful to her missing husband. This contrasts with the value of loyalty, as Greek society traditionally esteemed the bond between a husband and wife.
2. Penelope's treatment of the suitors: Penelope, on the other hand, demonstrates loyalty through her refusal to marry any of the suitors while she awaits Odysseus' return. Despite their persistent advances, she remains faithful to her husband, believing he will eventually come home. By rejecting their advances and staying true to her commitment, Penelope exemplifies the Greek society's expectation of loyalty in marriage.
3. Agamemnon's treatment of Amphimedon: In the Odyssey, there is no direct information about Agamemnon's treatment of Amphimedon. Therefore, it does not provide a specific instance that illustrates Greek society's value of loyalty.
Overall, it is through the contrasting behaviors of the suitors and Penelope, as well as other characters and events in the Odyssey, that the value of loyalty is demonstrated in Greek society.
To understand how Amphimedon shows that Greek society valued loyalty in "The Odyssey," let's examine each statement individually:
1. The suitors treat Penelope.
In "The Odyssey," Penelope is the wife of Odysseus and has remained faithful to him for years while he is away at war. However, when he does not return for a long time, suitors begin inappropriately courting Penelope, hoping to marry her and take over Odysseus' kingdom. Their behavior towards Penelope is disrespectful and disloyal to her continued faithfulness to Odysseus.
2. Penelope treats the suitors.
While Penelope is forced to interact with the suitors due to societal expectations, she remains loyal and does not reciprocate their advances. She even devises clever strategies, such as weaving and unraveling a shroud for Odysseus' burial to postpone choosing a suitor. This shows her unwavering loyalty to her husband and unwillingness to betray him.
3. Amphimedon treats Agamemnon.
Amphimedon is one of the ghostly suitors who is killed by Odysseus upon his return to Ithaca. In the Underworld, Amphimedon demonstrates loyalty by showing respect and deference to Agamemnon, the great Greek hero and leader of the Trojan War. Amphimedon's behavior towards Agamemnon indicates the value of loyalty towards respected and revered figures in Greek society.
4. Agamemnon treats Amphimedon.
Agamemnon, another character in "The Odyssey," is known for his tragic fate and the disloyalty he experienced. He was murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover upon his return from the Trojan War. While it cannot be directly stated how Agamemnon treats Amphimedon in "The Odyssey," Agamemnon's tragic end serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disloyalty and betrayal in Greek society.
Overall, these instances in "The Odyssey" show that Greek society highly valued loyalty and punished those who acted disloyally. The suitors' treatment of Penelope and Penelope's unwavering fidelity, as well as Amphimedon's respect towards Agamemnon and Agamemnon's tragic fate, all demonstrate the importance of loyalty in Greek culture.