-Book 10, The Odyssey
In book 10 of the Odyssey, there are several instances of turmoil and sadness that result in Odysseus questioning whether grief can result in any good. He seems to come to the conclusion that it cannot, as he encourages his crew to shake off their unhappiness so as to focus on the task ahead.
I found the question of "what good can come of grief?" quite interesting. I don't think grief is a futile sentiment. Although I can see where a grieving crew might hinder a hero's journey, in the real world I believe that grief has a valid purpose. It is through grief that people can reflect, learn lessons, and realize the importance of whatever was lost. I see grief as a tribute to a life lost, where the person who is mourning can appreciate the magnitude of their love in such a way that may not have been possible while the object of their grief lived. I think grief is vital part of the healing process, a period of deep affectation that can result in a rejuvenation instead of an omnipresent ache that has not been properly dealt with. Perhaps if Odysseus allowed his crew to grieve, he would lead happier men into the next stages of their journey.
What do you think?
I think you are right: grief is necessary and important to one's growth as a human being. Grief provides an attention-getting, new perspective on one's past and one's future. To ignore grief would, as you say, result in an "omnipresent ache" rather than rejuvenation. Nevertheless, an indulgence in grief can be equally devastating, especially when it degenerates into self-pity and despondency. Grief must always be tempered by hope. For the hero, having a hope of glory---a better future---is the motivator and means for overcoming despair.
ReplyDeleteI find your proposition very interesting---that if Odysseus had permitted grief to run its course, he and his crew may have had a better voyage.
The Greeks certainly understood the need for grief. The Iliad is a prime example of what properly carried out grieving can do. Achilles is moved by the death of his friend to be filled with uncontrolled rage; however, after fully grieving for his fallen friend, he achieves a humanity and glory that he hadn’t achieved on the battlefield. I have never read a more moving passage of literature than the scene where Achilles returns Hector’s corpse to King Priam and when he orders the Trojan War to halt for proper mourning of the hero. Once Achilles was able to experience a time of grieving, he became a better human being.
Our culture is becoming more cynical about grief: T-shirts are emblazened with sayings like "Get over it" or "Suck it up"... Even funerals and formal burial rituals are being treated with cynicism; I think we need to buck this trend and give bereavement its proper due. If we don’t grieve, then sadness and sorrow will always haunt us.
Great post, Hannah.
JJ