A Comparison of Dynamics in Husband/Wife Relationships in Ancient Literature

Introduction

Several factors and dynamics characterize the nature of the relationship between one individual and another. Such a situation occurs because human beings have different and divergent personal demands that clearly outline their identity. In any event, people treat each other depending on the kind of relationship that exists between them. Currently, in most cultures across the world, relationships can occurs between a husband and wife or father and son or young lovers. Considering the western world, ancient works of literature have documented different kinds of relationships among individuals. Again, such works of literature depict how a variety of demands and dynamics shape aspects of relationships. Sometimes, some relationships seem hard to handle especially when one or both parties fail to meet the demands and expectations of the relationship. This paper seeks to analytically compare and contrast the dynamics, implications for the actions and consequences for husband/wife relationship. In this case, Theseus/Phaedra and Orgon/Elmire relationships will stand as the reference points.

As per the ancient western literature, Theseus represented the king of Athens while Phaedra stood as the queen of Greece. The story involving the two acquired its influence from the actions and tragedy that shaped their relationship and fate. Also, this story documents challenges that have faced husband and wife relationships since the beginning of time and the kind of response issued to the same challenge. The problem of infidelity and the ability of human beings to handle it in their relationships such as marriage appear critical in this particular case. On the other hand, the case of Orgon and Elmire presents another kind of picture with regards to relationships. These works of were written during the age of enlightenment. As a result, any changes that took place outside could be seen in the kind of relationships that people had. The two cases depict that betrayal, fate and dishonesty characterized the core fiber of the western society.

The case of Phaedra represents the evil that humanity has always carried over time. As a matter of fact, factors playing out of this incidence indicate that there exist issues of incest and infidelity that characterize husband and wife relationships. Phaedra, as a Queen and a person of a higher caliber, needed to carry out her operations since the society expected a lot from her. Unfortunately, she felt an intense attraction to her step-daughter. Consequently, she had to confront the conflict in her. She had to either soil her reputation and take care of her feelings or retain her state and take advantage of the aura that came with her position. In a similar scenario, such an emotional ambiance occurred in the case of Orgon and Elmire where a lot had to be done to curb emotions that threatened to ruin the kind of relationship between them.

Moreover, Orgon and Elmire shared a different relationship as compared to the one between Phaedra and Theseus. Both Orgon and Elmire characterized their relationship with passion and so many other good things that built it from the scratch. They wanted to have a closer relationship with the gods. Indeed, they believed that such a move would shape the outcome of their marriage and fertility (Murray, 2006). However, along the way, there existed a certain demon that kept on haunting the relationship of Theseus and Phaedra. Their desire to keep the marriage intact appeared long thus created a situation that bred infidelity. Apparently, there existed more grief in this relationship than it could be since everyone lost interest in its success.

Also, fate represents another dynamic aspect that shaped the course of these relationships because the outcome of events that took place in each one of them determined the strength and desire to have a better relationship with people and society at large. Putting the religious conflict inside, Phaedra made her partner believe that she could not have a healthy relationship with God. Consequently, there existed a need to seek other means of handling her passion for the step-son. As fate would have it, everything did not come out as planned and the fate of her relationship hung in the balance. Evidently, the intention to entertain and they achieve the same results stands as the unifying factor in all the events.

Confessions and betrayals characterized these two stories because they had many bad things that happened in each one of them. However, the confessions have different perspectives depending on the kind of individuals involved in the relationship. The author insists that Phaedra should have confessed. As a result, the reader would have received a message of reconciliation and people ought to do certain things when dealing with critical issues in relationships. Relationships have a unique status or element depending on how both Elmire and Orgon take everything as a chance to learn a great lesson while Phaedra and Theseus end up using the events to destroy their relationships even further. Most importantly, stakeholders need to nurture the relationships between a husband and wife to a level that can lead to honest and satisfaction as seen in the case of Elmire and Orgon. Such a scenario cements the facts that a relationship may likely experience some issues in most cases but husbands and wives need to handle it in a diplomatic manner.

All in all, the end of each of these stories and the kind of relationships witnessed at the end indicate great contrast especially when it comes to understanding the impact of emotions on a husband and wife type of relationships. For instance, Phaedra confessed willingly about her wrongdoing at the end of this piece of literature. Readers view such an incident as a milestone in trying to resolve the kind of challenges that have engulfed such a relationship for a long time. However, this did happen and readers saw more destruction due to the confessions. She ended up consuming the poison brought in from Greece by Madea. This serves as a lesson to show everyone that failure to resolve family issues as a husband and wife may lead to a deadly impact on the entire relationship. Conversely, readers saw the relationship between Elmire and Orgon blossom because of the manner in which they tackled their relationship issues and the desire to grow the relationship emerged successful. Warner, Mabie, Runkle, Warner and Towne (2006) stated that actions of one person in a relationship may have a positive or negative impact on the other person depending on the nature of the action as well as the results.

Reference
Murray, G. (2006). A history of ancient Greek literature. New York: Frederick Ungar.
Warner, C., Mabie, H., Runkle, L., Warner, G., & Towne, E. (2006). Library of the world's best literature. New York: R.S. Peale and J.A. Hill.