Loyalty in Ancient Greece
Anonymous
Ms. Erickson
English 9
2/24/14
Insert Title Here
What is a strong relationship built upon? To this question, there are various answers, but one stands out within the many. Loyalty. By definition, to be loyal literally means giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution. It is the trust and reliability that one gives another that brings them closer together and fortifies their relationship. Throughout history, loyalty has been presented as one of the, if not the most, important value in different cultures around the world, but it is clearly significant in ancient Greek culture which is easily identified in The Odyssey by Homer. Additionally, loyalty also plays a key role in the modern society that we live in today.
Slaves play a major role in ancient Greek culture. Anybody who was somebody had slaves in their home. Whether it was for preparing food, cleaning or something as puerile as bathing their masters, ancient Greeks had slaves for right about anything. Slaves were the lowest social class there was. They had nothing to live for other than to serve, so if that is their only purpose in life then they might as well do it correctly. The more a slave appealed to its master, the better the pay and the better they will be treated. The best way for a slave to appeal to its master is through hard work and to be loyal. “The personal relation between master and slave was therefore unlike the relation between employer and employee; the slave was a devoted servant who obeyed in his very soul” (Veyne). This demonstrates how the master’s word is law towards the slave and that he is to remain loyal to his master if he is to excel. This act of devotion is clearly expressed in The Odyssey when Odysseus returns home only to see that his slaves were not working do to his absence. “’…You know how servants are: without a master/ they have no will to labor, or excel”’ (Kinsella 1029). This shows how Odysseus’ slaves are only
Ms. Erickson
English 9
2/24/14
Insert Title Here
What is a strong relationship built upon? To this question, there are various answers, but one stands out within the many. Loyalty. By definition, to be loyal literally means giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution. It is the trust and reliability that one gives another that brings them closer together and fortifies their relationship. Throughout history, loyalty has been presented as one of the, if not the most, important value in different cultures around the world, but it is clearly significant in ancient Greek culture which is easily identified in The Odyssey by Homer. Additionally, loyalty also plays a key role in the modern society that we live in today.
Slaves play a major role in ancient Greek culture. Anybody who was somebody had slaves in their home. Whether it was for preparing food, cleaning or something as puerile as bathing their masters, ancient Greeks had slaves for right about anything. Slaves were the lowest social class there was. They had nothing to live for other than to serve, so if that is their only purpose in life then they might as well do it correctly. The more a slave appealed to its master, the better the pay and the better they will be treated. The best way for a slave to appeal to its master is through hard work and to be loyal. “The personal relation between master and slave was therefore unlike the relation between employer and employee; the slave was a devoted servant who obeyed in his very soul” (Veyne). This demonstrates how the master’s word is law towards the slave and that he is to remain loyal to his master if he is to excel. This act of devotion is clearly expressed in The Odyssey when Odysseus returns home only to see that his slaves were not working do to his absence. “’…You know how servants are: without a master/ they have no will to labor, or excel”’ (Kinsella 1029). This shows how Odysseus’ slaves are only