Revenge as a Symbol of Power Revenge in Homer’s Odyssey* symbolizes the strength of a person or family with their ability to repay evil, thus clearing their name of shame by winning glory and respect. Revenge is an act or instance of retaliating in order to get even, it is an opportunity to show personal strength. The theme is present in different examples throughout the Odyssey: The vengeance of Orestes, Agamemnon’s son, upon …showed first 75 words of 1216 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1216 total…member was taken as an insult to the strength and honor of the whole family. It was an obligation of the whole family to make sure that action follows and the wrongdoer is punished. Successful revenge also brought glory and fame to the one who exercised it. The person could be praised in songs, and songs can still be sung after the person is dead. Glorious revenge can make the memory of a hero immortal.