This is a short analysis of one poignant part of "
The Odyssey." If you wish to read further onwards, or perhaps read the preceding text
Storm_Damage's node "
The Odyssey Book XI" should come in handy. Also something you should note is that the
translation I used is quite different to the noded publication. One difference being that Storm_Damage used a Romanised publication with Roman terms such as
Ulysses instead of the
Greek Odysseus. If you wish to peruse my Publication I have referenced it at the bottom of the node.
"'Be sure, therefore,' continued Agamemnon, 'and not be too friendly even with your own wife. Do not tell her all that you know perfectly well yourself. Tell her a part only, and keep your own counsel about the rest. Not that your wife, Ulysses, is likely to murder you, for Penelope is a very admirable woman, and has an excellent nature. We left her a young bride with an infant at her breast when we set out for Troy. This child no doubt is now grown up happily to man's estate, and he and his father will have a joyful meeting and embrace one another as it is right they should do, whereas my wicked wife did not even allow me the happiness of looking upon my son, but killed me ere I could do so. Furthermore I say- and lay my saying to your heart- do not tell people when you are bringing your ship to Ithaca, but steal a march upon them, for after all this there is no trusting women. But now tell me, and tell me true, can you give me any news of my son Orestes? Is he in Orchomenus, or at Pylos, or is he at Sparta with Menelaus- for I presume that he is still living.'
The domineering tone of Agamemnon acts as a strong voice indicating an intrinsic value of that era in Greek History. It proceeds the dialogue between Odysseus and Agamemnon discussing how Zeus had been working against the “sons of Atreus from the beginning.” This belief signified by the desperate and personalised tone of Agamemnon is that “Women… are no longer to be trusted.” This is centralised in the first example by Agamemnon being the anthropomorphic voice of cynicism in saying “even your wife.” However he later corrects the generality in stating “not that your wife… will ever,” either through imprudence or diplomacy.
Of course Agamemnon has proven to be justified in this
gross generalization. His wife Clytemnestra being the antipode of the “far too loyal” daughter of Icarius. The question however still remains, why say this to Odysseus if his wife is so loyal? The reader is then forced to think of any other female role in Odysseus’ journey homeward bound. Although Calypso and Circe play roles, their part is staggered throughout the epic; Athena however is present during the whole text. It is Athena who Odysseus trusts with his life. Therefore when Agamemnon concludes, “Women… are no longer to be trusted,” perhaps the intention of composer was to not merely maintain this sweeping statement to the depths of mortals, but allow it to ascend to encompass the gods also.
There is almost an inversion of dramatic irony in this excerpt in that the author and Agamemnon it seems know why he generalised this statement, but the reader is left to guess. If the composer was subtly criticizing the gods through an irrational anti feminist statement this may be perhaps their way of showing the reader that not only should women not be trusted but also the gods.
The theme of fate and destiny is prevalent throughout Homer’s epic and it is represented as mortals blamed the gods for all the malevolence in their lives. If Agamemnon were angry with the gods because of his murder, this seems reasonable to the reader. However in other portrayals of Agamemnon such as Aeschylus’ “Agamemnon”, the protagonist is depicted as a ruthless and greedy noble, who to the viewers of this play would appear deserving of such a murder.
The question raised throughout the excerpt is whether this criticism of the gods was a feeling felt not only by the composer but also the rest of society. The text contains other poignant elements when the gods are held responsible for human suffering. However since the text’s reception and creation are largely unknown this question shall remain fundamentally unanswered for the society. It can be said however that it is certain that the composer felt such cynicism and wrath towards the gods.
Homer. (2003) translated by E.V Rieu, "The Odyssey." Camberwell, Victoria, Australia: Penguin Classics.