Theme Of Disguise In The Odyssey

Disguises Symbolism Disguising one’s self can cause feelings and answers to surface in which they wouldn’t have otherwise. A disguise can mean a blank slate and allows for the freedom of investigation and influence. In The Odyssey, Homer’s use of disguise with the gods and people of high stature such as Odysseus, symbolizes the true nature of humanity and treatment of others when the inside and outside of an individual may not correspond, along with the success and suffering that comes with it. (81) In the first book of The Odyssey by Homer, he describes Athena’s interest to help Telemakhos, Penelope and Odysseus reunite after 20 years. Athena disguises herself as an unfamiliar man named Mentes to encourage Telemakhos to continue the search

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). The advice given after this exchange felt “fatherly” and influenced Telemakhos more emotionally than even

When Odysseus finally makes it home, he must cloak himself to protect his family and rid his home of the suitors. This period brings him misery and mockery. Odysseus’ disguise as an old beggar symbolizes the pretentious and power-hungry traits of mankind when dealing with people of lower vs. higher stature. As an old man, Odysseus gets harassed by a begger named Iros. Along with the suitors, Iros talks to Odysseus as a frail man, “Clear out , grandfather, or else be hauled out by the ankle bone” (XVIII,12-13) leading to a spar that the men oath not to partake in, only Odysseus and Iros. Suitors oathing to not join in on the fight proves that they think of this spar no more than entertainment in which they have no confidence in the “old man”. Disguising as an old man and experiencing such doubt and disrespect symbolizes the ignorant culture of the suitors, because without any idea of the capabilities of either men, the suitors think that Iros, a younger and angrier man, will easily beat Odysseus. Not until Odysseus reveals his muscles under his rags does he get the confidence for victory from the suitors, “Aye— he (Iros) asked for it, he’ll get it—- bloody, too” (XVIII, 88-89). The sudden switch from the suitors was influenced by Odysseus’ strong build hidden under rags, while the previous pride for Iros is removed because the suitors will always judge by the cover of a person and be in favor of the