The Odyssey: The Story Of Telemachus In The Odyssey

The Odyssey, an epic, is about a man who is known for his nobility as he is trying to find his way home. His greatest obstacle becomes that which is set by the Greek God, Poseidon, who was after him for blinding his son. The story of Telemachus can be seen as a story within a story and is known as a bildungsroman. It tells of a young man who is in search of his father since he has gone missing and is presumed dead. He is aware of the men that come to his house in hopes of marrying his mother which gives him more motivation to find his father. These suitors are the ones that plot to ambush him. In Scott Richardson’s’ Conversation in the Odyssey states that “He has learned the way of the world, and the survival of father and son depends on this

We are introduced to a reoccurring character within the epic, Telemachus. He is a very simple character with complex characteristics. We are able to interpret him through the different stages of his life. Athena, Zeus’s daughter, took form of Mentes in order to talk to Telemachus, whom is the son of Odyssey. She is the motivator of his adventure. He resembled his father in many aspects, physically and mentally although this comes into question. He questioned the link between father and son. “My mother says that I am his son, though I myself have no knowledge of it – what man can be sure of his percentage?” (Odyssey ,page 32 line 215-216) this creates a mystery between the years lost and makes one wonder where was Odysseus ? This shows that he himself did not proclaim his father as his own through this stage of his life, this can be seen as a sign of his youthful nature. The use of the word ‘my’ and ‘his’ are used as determiners. It shows ownership, and creates an intimate space between him and his parents. He became aware of his mothers suitors, “they have all of them come to woo my mother, and they are devouring my inheritance.” (Odyssey, 36-37 line 374-378) this shows how even at a young age he was aware of what was happening around him. It shows that Telemachus had knowledge of what he was talking about. The statement can also show how the men only cam for his mother, that they do not have any use of

He too is involved within the competition although at this stage his father acted as a stranger within the household. He did not want his identity revealed because he knew the dangers that awaited him. Penelope had no knowledge of her husbands’ presence, it was made so through Telemachus how held this secret. This created a bond between father and son. He is overshadowed by his fathers’ presence, “He was trying for the fourth time, and would have strung it had not Ulysses made a sign to check him spite of all his eagerness.” (Odysseus,312 line 128-129 ). He was keen upon stringing the bow. This opened up a door way to his insecurities. This was a “far cry from the blunt-speaking youth we see” as Scott Richardson describes him, his transition within the epic. This shows how because he was compared to his father he felt like he could not have lived up to his expectations since he had to try four times in order to string the bow. He was very determined to win the competition, to show that he was as good as his father since his father carried a greater ranking amongst the community. “Come on” (Odysseus,312 line 106 ) showed him taking control. “Alas! I shall either be always feeble and of no prowess, or I am too young, and have not reached my full strength” (Odysseus, 312 line 130-134 ), within this part of the extract showed a state of self-doubt. He, Telemachus, created excuses as why