When Odysseus returned home to his wife and son, he took a very brutal method to rid his home of the suitors who had run over his household. This revenge was also taken out upon the servants and maids who had been unfaithful to Penelope and had slept with the suitors. Some may say this punishment was too harsh, and made Odysseus less than an honorable man. However, Odysseus's actions are justifiable.
Indeed those who occupied the lord's manor during his absence did so with no honor. But one may argue that Odysseus' method of punishment was far too brutal, especially for the murder of the ladies who had dishonored his household. How could a man of respectable qualities do such a horrid thing, how could he soak his own home in blood? Even after Odysseus had killed Atinoos, those who begged mercy saying that Antinoos had led them to their dishonor, were slain brutally. All this harshness to others because Odysseus desired revenge on the number of men lusting for Penelope. This seems unjustifiable, and very inhumane. Odysseus was so overcome with his hate that he lost control, perhaps it was his yea
Odysseus should not be condemned for his actions. There are many justifiable reasons for the method in which he punished those who were disloyal and uncivil. One should take into consideration his trials, and put themselves in Odysseus's place. If you came home after twenty years, and found men about your wife, (or women about your husband) would you consider morality first? In Odysseus's case anyway, his all powerful heart and emotion filled his brain with rage. And any human being today would submit their mind to their feelings if their souls had been tossed about on the sea by Poseidon.
Odysseus was a man of honor, a man who had fought in a war and won. For such a courageous man to return home to find it full, idly standing by would not be considered virtuous. In order to prove that his status of King remained a strong title, Odysseus had to purge his home of rogues, and fancy women who had dishonored his lady. Such was acceptable at his time, and therefore considered common. Odysseus's sense of honor was vital in his role as an adventurer and a monarch of Ithaka.
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