The “Odyssey" and "Medea"

Introduction

It is essential to be honest because honesty and truthfulness show a lot about ones character, and show a person's true colors. Odysseus and Jason, two main characters in Greek Mythology portray many differences facing trust, and portray two different views on how to be trustful and how not to be. Odysseus is trustful throughout the Odyssey, but lies when he must to help others, whereas Jason is nothing but a sneaky, deceitful liar who in the process hurts his wife and brings horror upon himself. Throughout the Odyssey, written by Homer, and Medea, written by Euripides, we will truly see Odysseus' and Jason's true colors.

Thesis Statement:

Truth is an extremely important quality in all human beings. Being truthful vital whether you are a noble, or whether you are a beggar on a street corner.

Discussion

In "The Odyssey", Odysseus is truthful to his family and friends. Although Odysseus is truthful, there are many instances where Odysseus does indeed lie, but does so for the right reasons. I believe is ok to lie, when you are helping friends and family in the process. Not all lies are harmful, but it is not ok to hurt others in the process. Odysseus lies to his enemies so that he can keep his identity a secret. Odysseus being powerful, handsome, and a great lover is envied by many people, and has to lie to keep himself out of harms way. Odysseus lies for the right reason when he meets the Kyklops; "'Kyklops, you ask my honorable name? Remember the gift you promised me, and I shall tell you. My name is Nohbdy: mother, father, and friends, everyone calls me Nohbdy'" (West 402-417). In this quote, Odysseus does indeed lie to the Kyklops, but does it to protect his identity. Odysseus does not want to reveal his true identity to the Kyklops because his father Poseidon is trying to kill him. It will not be smart on Odysseus' part to be truthful in this case, because Odysseus could have been dead if he revealed his real name. If Odysseus revealed his name, Kyklops would have surely killed him on the spot. Odysseus in many circumstances is not truthful, but lies for the right reasons to keep himself out of trouble (Croally pp.42-52).

Another instance where Odysseus is not truthful is when he disguises himself as a beggar. "The swineherd later on will take me down the port-side trail--a beggar, by my looks, hangdog and all. If they make fun of me in my own courtyard, let your ribs cage up your springing heart, no matter what I suffer, no matter if they pull me by the heels or practice shots at me, to drive me out." (McDermott pp.65-85). Odysseus did this not to be dishonest or deceitful, but did it to save his kingdom and redeem his throne as he once had twenty years ago. This lie is not dishonest because if he were not disguised, it would not have been easy ...