Memory vs Forgetting in the Odyssey Essay - 1031 Words

There are many themes of forgetting and remembering in the Odyssey of Homer. When you have a great love for someone or something it shall never be forgotten. Both Penelope and Odysseus show the importance of memory throughout The Odyssey of homer over and over again. The theme of memory and forgetting does not show only love between Penelope and Odysseus but also an important principle in the upkeep of the correct social interactions. Penelope tells the singer Phemios that she does not want to hear the song that she is singing. The song brings pain to Penelope’s heart and reminds her of her â€Å"unforgotten sorrow† (Homer, Odyssey I.342). Whenever Penelope is reminded of Odysseus she become very sad and starts to weep for the love she has†¦show more content†¦She stands the test of time and patiently waits for her husband’s return. She waits 20 years without ever even knowing if he will ever return or not. Penelope always remembers that time and arà ªte are important principles in social interactions. Even with all the suitors in her home acting like savages; she still acts with the proper respect and customs. She always acts as if she is still married and her husband will be home soon. Agamemnon appears to Odysseus and speaks to him about his wife Penelope. He states that Penelope is a â€Å"wife endowed with great virtue† (Homer, Odyssey XXIV.193). He congratulates Odysseus on how great the love and memory of Penelope for Odysseus is throughout the poem. Her memory of Odysseus gives her kleos that â€Å"shall never die away† (Homer, Odyssey XXIV.196-7). In the same conversation between Odysseus and Agamemnon; Agamemnon speaks about his wife Clytemnestra in a way that shows the contrast between an honored wife that remembers her husband to a deceitful cheater who killed her husband. Agamemnon also states â€Å"there is nothing for disgusting than a vile women who thin ks of acts that dishonor, and plots murders of husbands† (Homer, Odyssey XI.427-30) This in turn shows the theme of remembering is a more glorious way of life than forgetting. Throughout the epic poem we see a great connection between good memory and worthy character. Odysseus is the only one afraid to forget and for his men to forget theirShow MoreRelatedDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pages269 United Chemical Company 269 Byron vs. Thomas 271 Active Listening Exercise 272 SKILL APPLICATION 274 Activities for Communicating Supportively Suggested Assignments 274 Application Plan and Evaluation 274 274 SCORING KEYS AND COMPARISON DATA 276 Communicating Supportively 276 Scoring Key 276 Comparison Data 276 Communication Styles 276 Comparison Data 276 SKILL PRACTICE Diagnosing Problems and Fostering Understanding: United Chemical Company and Byron vs. Thomas 278 Observer’s Feedback Form