Eumaeus Essay
Descriptive Essay
English 9
November 5, 2008
Eumeaus Essay
Eumeaus was a swineherd of Odysseus during the 20 years the great warrior was off at Troy and journeying home. He worked diligently and loyally the entire 20 years, despite the option to obtain a more desirable and high-paying job. The life of Eumaeus the swineherd demonstrates all the qualities of dignity, honor, integrity, and nobility as discussed in class. Eumaeus was the ultimate example of all these qualities, and the quintessence of a loyal servant.
Eumaeus was the servant that cared most for his master's wordly goods, enough that he devoted 20 years of his life to caring for his master's possessions when he didn't even know if Odysseus was still alive. When Odysseus first met with him after his long voyage, Eumeaus was sitting in front of the house and farm he had built himself by hand. Eumaeus had ferocious dogs to protect his master's herds, and worked every day to protect the herds. His dignity was that he was a swineherd, but also that he was a servant of a caring and generous master. He also took care of Telemachus with father-like care while Odysseus was away at war.
Integrity and Nobility are perfectly represented by Eumaeus as well. His dignity and honor were real, much due to the fact that they had been tested by time, 20 years specifically. He welcomed Odysseus, and killed a pig for him, seasoned it, and served it to his guest, even though his guest appeared to be an old beggar man. Every action Eumaeus showed Odysseus reflected kindness and honor. Every day Odysseus was gone Eumaeus lived with nobility, acting out his actions by defending his master's herds.
Eumaeus showed immense honor to Odysseus, and essentially to his entire family. Even when he didn't know of the old beggar's true identity, he treated him with respect due to the fact
that his guest was older than himself, but also due to the guidelines of Xenia. Telemachus was extremely well...