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Representation Of Death In The Odyssey

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I wrote this piece as one of the books in the Telemachyssey. This book takes place in the middle of the Telemachyssey. Telemachus is searching for his father in the Underworld to find out where Odysseus died so he can give him a proper burial and allow him to cross the river to the rest of the Underworld. Telemachus finds Circe and journeys into the Underworld. I portrayed the voyage into the Underworld as being like in a dream. Things seem strange and the basic laws of nature no longer apply. I did this to demonstrate that being dead is not a continuation of your life, but is the loss of consistency that everyday life has. Death is portrayed as being somewhat invigorating because time and space have lost their meaning. Life is enjoyable because one has free will and is able to make and learn from their mistakes while death is static and bloring. I portrayed death in this fashion because I wanted to …show more content…

Telemachus meets two of the suitors that he killed when reclaiming dominion over his kingdom. The two people he meet tell opposing stories about Odysseus and Telemachus‘s honorability. The stories he hears demonstrate that the themes that Odysseus, Telemachus, and Athena lived by and expected others to exemplify (loyalty, fraternity, hospitality) were hypocritical. These three only supported these ideals when they were in their favor. This shows that justice is not always fair and the gods are unjust as well. Furthermore, this shows that one should not look forward toward the afterlife even after living an honorable life because they might not end up in heaven. This dialogue was meant to demonstrate that honor is subjective. An honorable person does not mean that the person is morally better than another but they won and therefore get to tell the story. This dialogue is designed to put Odysseus and Telemachus in a new perspective and show that they are not necessarily the protagonist in this

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Thoughtful Telemachus felt that he could never live up to his father’s name, until an opportunity arose: a journey to rescue Odysseus. This is a feat that will help Telemachus become worthy of the name of “Odysseus’s true son” in Homer’s “The Odyssey.” After the hero has been missing for many years, evil men are plotting to take over Telemachus’ home, and Odysseus is the only hope to save their town of Ithaca. Telemachus’ journey to rescue him was necessary because he gains confidence, it gives him a taste of heroism, and helps him establish important relationships. To start with, the Telemachia is very important for Telemachus because it gives him a similar confidence as to what the Great Odysseus had.

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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.

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The tale of Homer’s The Odyssey tells the story of Trojan war noble hero Odysseus Homer uses the differences in the physical, emotional, and intellectual characteristics of Odysseus and Telemachus in order to show two very different journeys of a father and son. First, Homer emphasizes their differences in strength when they each try to string a bow with very different results. Second, Homer shows us how to the two the differ when it comes to their emotions aspects when they discuss how to go about getting revenge on the suitors in book sixteen, “Father and Son”. Finally, Homer highlights their different opinions on giving mercy in chapter twenty-two, “Death in the Great Hall”.

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All through The Odyssey, the characters develop in a certain way that interchanges the outcome of the book. Odysseus is able to develop knowledge and wisdom to deal with his men during the battle and the suitors who were frustrating his wife. In addition, he came back home as a hero after the Trojan War. Telemachus developed into a mature man who could deal with any problem in his father’s absence. However, based on the story, it is evident that, Telemachus demonstrates a great change basing upon the times the characters were away from Ithaca.

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In this essay, I will explain how important the fact that Odysseus uses better his intelligence over power is. Also, I will discuss the importance of how the Odyssey is characterized by the humanization of gods where each God poses different feelings for the mortals. And last, I will compare and contrast both of Odysseus and Telemachus journey, one who is a king of many battles and an

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After weeks of struggle, Athena sends Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, to his father. Once Odysseus reveals his identity to his son, Telemachus questions how a low-life looking beggar could be his noble father. The unrecognizable father tells his son, “It is no hard thing for the gods of heaven to glorify a man or bring him low” (Homer 633). One can see Odysseus’ impersonation of a beggar and the proverb symbolizes a growth in character. To be brought low in the hierarchy, Odysseus experiences struggles in the commonwealth.

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This character is brought to light using several incidents and events that help to analyze and interpret the ancient Greek world and the values surrounding them. Each episode supports and allows for the development of Odysseus’ character and acknowledges the effects of these features. Through these specific incidents, the reader uncovers the quality of Odysseus and how his characteristics relate to those praised by Greeks and those that were criticized. Persistent components of Odysseus’ character include cleverness and pride, while major themes that are reiterated are Greek ideals and the struggle to reach home. Conclusively, definitive occasions in “The Odyssey” establish and expand upon the character of Odysseus and how it impacts himself and

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Another situation where the moral was shown in the story is the difference between Odysseus and Telemachus’s view towards the suitors. Although they both knew that the suitors had to leave, they had different methods of doing so. “‘And you, if you have any shame in your own hearts,/ you must leave my palace!’”, Telemachus said to the suitors in attempt to remove them from the palace (2.155-56). Telemachus complained about the suitors and threatened them, while Odysseus took another route of action. Odysseus and Telemachus created a complex plan in order to kill each individual suitor who attempted to wed Penelope, Odysseus’s wife (16.298-330).

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Athena’s identity projected as Mentes allowed for the investigation of Telemakhos’ feelings and thoughts towards his father’s disappearance and the disrespect of the suitors in his home, “... They (the suitors) have an easy life, scot free, eating the livestock of another— a man whose bones are rotting somewhere now” (I.196-198). Telemakhos is hopeless about the return of his father all the while being miserable under the same roof with the selfish suitors. Athena uses this information to encourage Telemakhos that Odysseus is lost, but not dead and with his return, the suitors will perish for their dishonor. Without the front of Mentes, Athena could not use pathos in her advice as efficiently than when she heard the true thoughts of Telemakhos himself. Throughout their conversation they exchange words that signify fondness and familiarity such as “(Telemakhos to Athena) Friend, you have done me kindness, like father to his son, and I shall not forget your counsel ever” (I.355-357).

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