The Position Taken by Men in Society - Essay Example

Task: A man’s Growth Undeniably, parents wish their siblings to emulate their, behaviour and personality. In a society full of cherished men, the manhood is an important aspect of life. The feeling has evidence in Book 2 of Odyssey where Athena clears any doubt from Telemachus by saying, “you know, few sons turn out to be like their fathers/ most turn out worse, a few better” (Homer 2. 349) In ordinary situations, the position taken by men in society is unquestionable. They are the household heads, breadwinners and most importantly, family warriors. Notably, their partners in marriage look up to them for sound decisions, good guidance, and deliverance from any form of cultural challenge. In as much as this has changed in the contemporary world, in the Odyssey the feeling remains. The paper, therefore, looks at male dominance and the special attention enjoyed by men even at the tender age. Culture is expressly male favoured in the narrative. The combination of pleasure and fear turn the table for women in the story ensuring that they remain on the receiving end. Additionally, the tension surrounding hate and hunger also ensure the story unfolds well painting men as superior people. Odysseus does not present much change throughout the story but shows domination even after the 20 years. Although this is important to the entire society, it is noteworthy that the feeling gets also shared by the son who is at the helm of leadership. In many cases, women in the narrative get a second role to men. Women are expected to re-marry despite having children in the previous marriage. Their psychological or emotional feelings do not count and face a series of discriminatory steps. Penelope was expected to marry; however, she ensured that her son’s position to head the society did not go to anybody else. To ensure that people do not question her motives, she kept the operations secretive and folded in a number of good decisions. Women show the least reason to fear men as the awakening manhood passes through various avenues. The psychological journey involves mentoring people and organizing events that guarantee their future. Penelope experiences the rather mistreatment by men when Telemachus scolds her instead of providing comfort. In the scenario, Telemachus demonstrates the stereotypically masculine behaviour of Odyssey. The scene brings into light Athena’s opinion that children can actually be their parents. The behavioural indications further appear when he says, “I hold the reins of power in this house” (Homer 1. 414) The awakening manhood passes through various avenues. The psychological journey involves mentoring people and organizing events that guarantee their future. Instead of providing comfort, Penelope experiences dissatisfaction when Telemachus scolds her. In the scenario, Telemachus demonstrates the stereotypically masculine behaviour of Odyssey. The scene brings into light Athena’s opinion that children can actually be their parents. The behavioural indications further appears when he says, “I hold the reins of power in this house” (Homer 1. 414) Great personalities in the societies have many admirers. Various aspects are recognised in the society for having magnanimous influence. For instance, power is an important element enjoyed by men that attract many to view them as great people. Other factors also include good decision-making, control and the ability to have a man. On the other hand, women have an interesting picture of men. They want men enjoying great power and security and consider them as small kings. As a result, they groom the children exposing them to various things that might make them become or behave like their parents. After the father’s disappearance to Trojan War, Telemachus has a responsibility of assuming the responsibility of becoming a household master. Notably, women have no role in assuming leadership or contributing in any way. Instead, the male dominance vibrates in Odessey portraying men as important people. After Telemachus speech at the assembly, he accords respect but do convince the entire assembly. Antinous is not happy with the queen who he accuses of misleading suitors. In this light, he recommends that she should be sent to the village for re-marriage. It is interesting how women get treated as mere objects that require guidance. The prime builders of passion Odyssey remains women. However, the people entitled to enjoy the achievements remain men. Interestingly, after the vacuum in the odyssey line of leadership, many suitors appear to take a position. However, the cunning queen makes it difficult for any of them to assume the position while awaiting the son. In this case, man’s supremacy gets tied woman’s love. Telemachus assumes his father but faces many decisions of great role. He is unable to send his mother away for re-marriage for fear of what people might say. He also questions the role of gods and how they can react to the actions. Despite leading by power, kings at this time rely on influence. For example, when Eurymachus faces problems with Telemachus administration he does not intimidate her but skilfully handles the situation. Athena diligently serves her role in the story ensuring that Telemachus survives all the threats. Apart from enjoying a greater position of culture and masculinity, men also share a friendly gesture with women to worship and adore them. For instance, in chapter three, the narrator says, “For I never saw the gods showing such open affection as Pallas…the way she stood beside him.” (Homer 3. 219) This implies the much love that women gave away to men while they got mistreatment and hate. Even after their men left, much was not taken to chance, as they do not have a similar respect. Indeed, the society perceives women as vibrant individuals only capable of satisfying various roles while other specifically relate to men. It is important to note that civility in the narration does not prevail until Odyssey returns. Despite not demonstrating much change, the away journey has imparted a wealth of knowledge. In conclusion, the position of men in the society is a non-contested avenue in Odyssey. They enjoy the supreme level of action and expect support from all people ranging from children, women, gods and other cultural constituents. Certainly, it is the role of women in spearheading the position of men in Odyssey, which captures attention. Despite facing discrimination from her husband, son and the society, she does not give up on her moral obligation. From this perspective, women have a higher role in shaping the society while at the same time withstanding the hard and cruel world. Works Cited Homer, Stanley Lombardo. Odyssey. Indiana: Hackett Publishing, 2000. 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