The Ethical Code in Homer’s The Odyssey
- Aidos (shame) – a sense of honor which deters people from breaking the unwritten laws of the clan.
- Nemesis – the indignation of public opinion against those who break unwritten laws.
- Hospitality to strangers is obligatory.
- Revenge for wrong doing is undertaken by the family.
- Desire for personal glory (kudos) is the principal drive.
(Reinhold page 40).
Teacher: Discuss examples of how these ethical codes are demonstrated in The Odyssey.
Reinhold, Meyer. Greek and Roman Classics, 1971, Barrons, New York.
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