Recognition and Redemption: Samson, Agamemnon, and Odysseus

Indianapolis, IN

In the earliest works of literature, authors discuss the implications and qualities of human fallacy. Studying the works of The Bible, Agamemnon by Aeschylus, and The Odyssey by Homer, one can see this concept through the actions of characters. In particular, Samson, Agamemnon, and Odysseus portray the fall, recognition, and redemption of mankind. In the case of Samson, Yahweh has established the covenant of the Nazarene with him. However, he falls and breaks the covenant. Through a painful series of events, Samson eventually recognizes his faults but does not redeem himself before his tragic death. Similarly, Agamemnon falls when he sacrifices his daughter to the gods. His hamartia is hubris, but even in death, Agamemnon fails to recognize this flaw. And lastly, Odysseus represents the divine path to spiritual transcendence. Odysseus' fall is also one of hubris. However, in his journey to the underworld, he not only recognizes this flaw, but also finds redemption. In all these examples, one sees a fall. However, redemption is not guaranteed. In order to find spiritual transcendence, one must reject the base desire to self-serve and, instead, aspire to higher nobility.