Girls of Homer

Homer, a blind poet, only few certain things are known about him. He is the writer of the two of the greatest epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey. In these two epics, two remarkable women Helen, love interest of Paris, and Penelope, wife of Odysseus are introduced. Both showed different characteristics that can be attributed as antagonist or protagonist.

Helen is the daughter of Zeus to Leda. Her beauty can capture any man’s heart. She was engaged to King Menelaus (king of Sparta) but went with Paris (prince of Troy) to Troy. These led to a 10-year war that brought Troy to ashes.

Penelope is the wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus. She can be described as beauty and brains. She was the queen of Ithaca. Thinking Odysseus to be dead, many men suit her but she remained faithful to Odysseus for twenty years. She used her brains to lengthen the time before she would choose from her suitors who will marry her. She was waiting for Odysseus.

When Odysseus got back to Ithaca (after many adventures) and disguised as a beggar to know if Penelope is still faithful and to know about the suitors but he ends up killing all of the suitors.

Well, if you were to analyze the two characters, Penelope is far better character than Helen. She has the brains and used it well. She uses her wisdom to end the courtship of the suitors, by stringing Odysseus’s bow and shot an arrow through 12 holes of axes, which she knew that this can only be done by Odysseus. She is faithful to her husband. Overall, she is an protagonist in the Odyssey for me.

For Helen, she followed what she likes but it brought many consequences. We should not despise her for following her heart.  She might have the beauty which can capture anyone’s heart, but it can also bring men, who can turn a kingdom to ashes. She is not faithful to the one who she was engaged with. Overall, she is an antagonist in the Iliad for me.

For the face that launched a thousand ships, are you willing to take the risk?

“Do you want me to tell you something really subversive?  Love is everything it’s cracked up to be.  That’s why people are so cynical about it. . . .  It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for.  And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.”
                           - Erica Jong

Paris and Helen, lovers that brought down the golden gates of Troy. The reason for the death of thousands of soldiers. The reason for the downfall of Troy. Is this how Homer envisioned love? A love with great consequence?

If you were Paris, would you pursue loving Helen? If you were Paris, would you bring Helen to Troy even if it may cause so much distress in your land?  Money, land, and power, are you willing to sacrifice all of these to the one you love?


For me, love is a gamble. You can't win if you have nothing to risk. But  how much are you willing to risk?

If I were Paris and they would not attack Troy if I will not bring Helen with me, I would not risk innocent lives just to satisfy my happiness. I am willing to suffer. But I would not let anyone treat her like a toy. Displaying her naked body in front of many people just to satisfy his fellow kings? This kind of thing makes me angry. If it weren't for my comrades, (if I were really Paris) I would attack King Menelaus even if I know it will bring my death

But in the real Iliad, they will attack Troy even if I haven't eloped with her. I would rather fight, than to  lose everything without a battle. I will protect her even if it will cost my life. I will not let anyone disrespect her. Women are priceless and irreplaceable. They should be treated with utmost care and respect. They should be love not toyed around. Helen's love will not come to waste. I will give her the love that she deserves because that is what the real essence of love requires of me. And it requires me to to give my best to the person I love.  I will love her as long as I live, and even after that. 

First Blog:TUMCS's 26th founding Anniversary

This is the first time I will blog. 
I think I will not like it because it requires.....uhm... thinking.
So bear with me. :)






























The TUMC's 26th Founding Anniversary


Last February 14-18, TUMCS held their 26^th foundation day (a week actually).

During the said event, the freshmen, sophomores and juniors enjoyed the program. Most of the seniors did not. It is their last year, there are no programs at night (ex. Drama fest is usually held during a night at foundation week) and they felt the sports fest was unfair. The games schedules are unfair to the seniors because sir Jandy knows that there are basketball players that are also volleyball players but he still made the basketball and volleyball games of the seniors consecutive and sometimes at the same time.  And of course, the seniors are tired and lost. In almost every game, there will be an injured player. Most the 4^th year players are injured. They said there are dirty players. Speaking of dirty players, if you want violence, you should watch the basketball girls. They are like killing each other just to get the ball. But everyone is kind enough to say sorry to each other after the game.  A game is just a game. Everyone should accept losing. Even if they felt cheated or it’s unfair, it’s just a game. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, what matters is having fun. I know you can’t have fun when you are cheated, but who cares? The food is delicious.

 

I love foooods!!! 

Dunkin!!!!

Whoah!!!

I survived my first blog.