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Literary Analysis in Odyssey
Challenges telemachus faces in the odyssey
Challenges telemachus faces in the odyssey
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Telemachus and Penelope must take on many challenges with Odysseus gone, such as being a source of moral support for each other and taking on more tasks. With one less person in the family, there is one less shoulder to cry on and absence in moral support is definitely a great loss. Penelope and Telemachus must have a special bond to be able to get through the absence of Odysseus. They must always be there for each other for moral support. Though the man of the house back in Ancient Greece did not do much housework, there are many important jobs that Telemachus and Penelope must fill in for in Odysseus's absence.
At the beginning of The Odyssey, Odysseus’ son Telemachus is immature and helpless; however, through the lessons he learned on his journey, he matures into a stronger young man. Telemachus sees Mentes, who is actually a disguised Athena, for the first time in the beginning of The Odyssey. “First by far to see her was Prince Telemachus, sitting among the suitors, heart obsessed with grief.” (1.132-3) Here, Telemachus, one of novice experience in dealing with life crises weeps and wishes that his father could come back and deal with those residing in their household, rather than facing the suitors that feast on what little is left of Odysseus’ inventory. The suitors are finally getting on newly brazen Telemachus’ nerves, “But self-possessed
Although I know that you are not aware of the current events at the moment, but I have finally reunited with my heir, my beloved son Telemachus. Athena advised me to dress as a beggar when I return to Ithaca. She requested my dresscode to be this way so no one can target me once they realize what my rightful identity is. She also mentioned that your suitors, those disgraceful who have no shame and trying to replace me, have it in their minds to murder me so they have you, Telemachus, and our riches in their greedy hands.
oth Telemachus and Odysseus visit strange lands, far from their homeland in Ithaca. The ways they are each welcomed help tell us what is expected from a guest. Telemachus is welcomed with a great ceremony for him. He leaves with newfound and trustworthy friends. Odysseus, however, is not so fortunate.
Odysseus and his son are both crying and wailing like the two sea eagles who have lost their chicks, but also the chicks who were separated from each
Ulysses finally after ten years of storm, shipwreck, and sorceries arrived in Ithaca, his home. Ulysses found his old good friend Eumaeus and he pretended to be an old begger so he could gather information on what was his status on the island after all the years he had been gone. Ulysses continued to pretend to be an old beggar, but when he saw his son, Telemachus he told him that he was his father, Ulysses. Ulysses, Telemachus, and Eumaeus headed to the castle where laid Penelope's suitors who wished for her hand in marriage. They came up with a plan to defeat all the suitors.
In the novel, The Odyssey translated by Robert Fitzgerald, Telemachus gives a speech to Ithaca. He argues to the suitors about disrespecting his father Odysseus’ home even though they think Odysseus is dead and will never come home. Courageously, from the heart, Telemachus goes up against the suitors to state control over the key social practices of marriage hospitality. Telemachus’ speech was effective because it showed pathos, logos, and ethos. Telemachus looks and acts the part of his father, astonishing those who presumably knew him as a boy.
This shows us that Telemachus is faithful to his mother, father, and the palace where he was raised. Odysseus had a truly happy homecoming, while Agamemnon had one of the worst homecomings possible. Odysseus had defeated all of the suitors, was reunited with his son, and solidified his marriage with his wife. Agamemnon on the other hand had come home to find his wife who he once loved with another man. The following quote is Agamemnon’s spirit talking to Odysseus in the underworld.
273-275). This shows Telemachus being weak, because he has lost all hope for his father and his return and he also holds belief that his father, Odysseus is dead. This proves that Telemachus is still a boy in the beginning because, he is showing weakness by giving up and believing that Odysseus is dead and will never return. Another example of Telemachus being weak in the beginning is that he continues to lose hope and doubt his father 's return to Ithaca. Telemachus says, “Eurymachus, clearly my father 's journey home is lost forever/
I believe Odysseus is alive. I believe my son, Telemachus is angry with the destruction in our home and won 't be able to stand for it much longer. I believe my power in my own home has been taken from me and there is nothing I can do about it. I love Odysseus. I love him so much that I know he must be alive.
In The Odyssey, by Homer, Athena influences the lives of Odysseus and his family. In Greek mythology, gods challenge and control mortals. Gods also provide support to mortals and thus, mortals depend and act on behalf of the gods and their decisions. Athena, daughter of Zeus, is the goddess of wisdom, and both Telemachus and Odysseus benefit from her power. Athena possesses the ability to disguise herself and others, and this skill allows her to give advice and guidance.
Their father-son relationship is the most important of all throughout the Odysseus and this is proven time and again throughout the entire body of work. Their relationship is not only important to the story itself but to the themes as well. Family is the fundamental principle that not only they have but that the entire family has. Penelope is especially worried for her son as he is not at home and the suitors have planned to kill him on the sea before he can reach home. Xenia has also been passed down to Telemachus even though Odysseus wasn’t there.
In this important exchange between Odysseus and his mother,
Telemachus’ life serves as the gateway to Odysseus’ legacy. The egocentric nature in which Telemachus describes Odysseus’ assumed fate strengthens the idea that Odysseus’ legacy lies in Telemachus’ life on earth. The idea of “great fame for years to come” is reflected through Telemachus’ life because Telemachus is both the physical and the figurative link between Odysseus and the mortal, living world (Ody. I.279). Telemachus’ mention of the gods’ “vengeance” by killing Odysseus elaborates on a more general juxtaposition – the gods, who are immortal, control humans’ mortality (Ody. 272). However, the gods don’t have control over a legacy, as storytelling is a human activity.
Journey to Maturity The Odyssey by Homer recognizes the importance of maturity throughout the epic poem, applied from Telemachus, as he grows from a weak, scared boy to a strong, responsible man who develops newly found skills, overcomes various obstacles, and reflects on his need to approach his problems as Homer showcases Telemachus as a prime example of maturation as he finds his father and fights alongside him to slay the suitors. Telemachus expresses maturation by achieving his goals, learning from his mistakes and experiences, taking risks, being strong, courageous, and confident, as well as enduring hardship to claim honor in the end. Telemachus trains to achieve his goal of finding his father. He matures with the help of many characters
