FACE-TO-FACE : SELFISH HELEN OR FAITHFUL PENELOPE?

Homer  is the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, and is revered as the greatest ancient Greek epic poet. These epics are at the beginning of the Western canon of literature, and have had an enormous influence on the history of literature. -- (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homer)


Penelope and Helen played a significant role in Homer's writings.


HELEN, probably the most beautiful woman in the world in that time, is the daughter of Zeus and Leda and the wife of the King of Sparta, King Menelaus. Her abduction by Prince Paris brought the Trojan War. Helen did not think for the welfare of others, instead, she follow her heart's desire - to love Paris and be loved by him. Her selfishness caused the downfall of Troy.


PENELOPE, a faithful, loving and caring daughter of  Icarius and Periboea and the beautiful wife of King Odysseus. She raised their only son, Telemachus when Odysseus was on his journey way back to his kingdom. He remained faithful until his husband came back and they were reunited.


HELEN AND PENELOPE are women from the ancient mythology. They are both women who needs love and care of a man. In my opinion, Penelope is an intelligent and faithful woman. She became faithful until Odysseus return back to his kingdom and she uses her mind to keep her suitors away from her. A role model to every woman in the world.  On the other hand, Helen is an immature and a selfish woman. She makes decision not knowing the effects of her actions to other people. That cause the downfall of Troy.


It is not important whether you would choose Helen or Penelope. Just remember that always think and choose of the options that will be good for many. Let us not be selfish instead, let us love how Christ loved us.

LOVE is not SELFISH

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

-1 Corinthians 13:4-7

  

We were given the question,"If you were Paris, would you ask Helen to come with you to Troy?" 

If I were Paris, I would not asked Helen to come with me to Troy. I should have think the possible consequences if I will let her come with me to Troy or not. Asking Helen to come with me to Troy would not be beneficial to other people.


In the story, Paris is too selfish because he follows his heart's desire that leads to Troy's downfall. He should have think the welfare of the majority before his own desire. Love takes a lot of sacrifices. Sometimes we need not think if we'll hurt. What's important is we have loved.