Telemachus Relationship In The Odyssey

In the Odyssey, the book explores different themes as well as depicts what the community was like at that time period. Though only a story, the reader can use the Odyssey to understand more about cultural practices and daily life to help expand their knowledge of the Homeric age. Themes such as Xenia and masculinity were highlighted throughout the book, but the most prevalent theme was the importance of the father and son relationship. The book emphasizes the negative impacts of a son not having a father figure for guidance and shows how Telemachus needed Odysseus. Through reading about the effects of Odysseus not being in Telemachus’ life, it is evident that one of the most significant relationships in the Homeric age was between father and

In the culture, it is expected for the son to listen and learn from his father as well as represent the same interests. (Curley Reading Paternity 2:10). However, in the Odyssey, Odysseus does not have the opportunity to reunite or talk to Telemachus until book 16. The story starts with Telemachus in the house with his mother and Athena visits him while all the suitors are staying at his house. Telemachus struggles with the suitors in his house and doesn’t have the ability to get rid of them. Without his father who would have taken the lead and guided him, Telemachus was unable to force the suitors out. When speaking to Athena, Telemachus states that “My mother says that I am his son, but I cannot be sure, since no one knows his own begetting.”(Homer Odyssey 1.14-16) Telemachus shows how much Odysseus’ absence is affecting his identity as he can’t even fully believe for certain that he is Odysseus’ son. The fact that he is doubting being related shows that Odysseus has been gone for too long and he's starting to lose hope for Odysseus coming

This moment shows that they are both overjoyed to be reunited but are also grieving for the time that they didn't have together. Telemachus was lost without Odysseus while Odysseus felt the responsibility that he was not fulfilling as a father. This is also the first real opportunity that Odysseus was able to claim his son, which usually happens at the start of the child’s life. Telemachus questioned at the beginning if Odysseus was his father, but now there is no doubt and they both felt a sacred bond. After the reconnection, they start to form a plan to kill the suitors. Though Odysseus takes charge of most of the plan, Odysseus did make alternations based on Telemachus’ suggestions. Telemachus wasn’t able to handle the suitors on his own and needs to rely on Odysseus to defeat the suitors as he isn’t powerful enough. Working together created a soundproof plan as Odysseus has the experience and Telemachus has knowledge about what the house is like. Odysseus is now in the father role guiding Telemachus and they start making a plan to get rid of the suitors. Additionally, Telemachus is learning from Odysseus and taking his commands which shows that the father son relationship that they were waiting for is finally forming. Telemachus shows immediate obedience by listening to Odysseus, to the extent that he