Telemachus Changes In The Odyssey

Words: 712

Pages: 3

Open Document

In the epic The Odyssey, that is translated by Stanley Lombardo, Telemachus lacks a fatherly role in his life. Throughout the epic Telemachus transforms from an insecure person to a well rounded individual. Because of Odysseus’ actions, Telemachus is influenced to be a worthy and valuable man like his father.
In the beginning, Athena mentions Odysseus to Telemachus, which results in Telemachus gaining courage. By talking about what Odysseus would have done, Athena prompts Telemachus to stop letting the suitors waste away his family and wealth. She explains to Telemachus that, “You really do need Odysseus back. Just let him lay his hands on these mangy dogs” (1.271-272)! Telemachus starts becoming firm in his speech since he now wants to be represented as Odysseus’ son. He boldly says to Penelope, “Speaking is for men, for all men, but for me/ Especially, since I am the master of this house” (1. 378-379). Telemachus wants to reassure his mother that even if Odysseus is dead there is still a man running the house. Athena leads Telemachus to become a man by letting him know his father would have represented the same manly role. …show more content…
Many people have high expectations for Telemachus since he is the son of a godlike man that people know throughout Greece. This influences Telemachus to become more of an adult since he’s compared to a role like Odysseus. Telemachus is frightful that the journey will be unsuccessful, however Athena reassures, “ You won’t turn out to be a fool or a coward,/ Telemachus, not if any of Odysseus’ spirit/ Has been instilled in you...If you are really Odysseus’... son,/ You’ll finish whatever you set your mind to” (2. 293-299). Athena informs him that his father is no fool, therefore he cannot become one. This boosts confidence in Telemachus and encourages him not to

What Role Does Telemachus Play In The Odyssey

Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey is very much centered around Odysseus and his twenty-year long journey home, but the story of his son Telemachus is also of great importance. The Odyssey starts in medias res, which means "in the middle of things," and the first four books of the epic focus mainly on him. Telemachus is important to The Odyssey not only to let readers know the goal of the poem, but also because of his growth throughout the epic and the role he plays in the end at assisting his father…

Words 924 - Pages 4

The Odyssey English 211 Essay

the Odyssey Garrett Perry/C11472794 English 201 A Dr. Healy With admiration for the epic The Odyssey, Homer portrays the nature of father-son relationships as structured in ancient patriarchal Greece. The promise of a long life and stature depended on the strength and courage a man possessed . Society vaunted at the achievements of man, and sons were often prized when promised to follow in their fathers footsteps. Telemachus, son…

Words 1179 - Pages 5

Essay on Response 1

in an epic play can change in the course of the story and ultimately alter the story itself, just as the title character changes in Homer’s epic, The Odyssey. The protagonists in the story, the men of the house of Odysseus, have dramatic and subtle changes throughout the epic that alter the way the plot moves. Odysseus’s attitude in the beginning of the epic displays that of a civilization with no sense of respect for the gods or honor for their beliefs. Odysseus’s son Telemachus starts the journey…

Words 435 - Pages 2

Points Of View In Homer's The Odyssey

Points of view in The Odyssey change throughout the epic. This affects the reader’s experience and understanding. The main focus, however, is on Odysseus and people who impact his life, such as his son Telemachus, his wife Penelope, and many god such as Circe and Athena. These characters exert the plot of the text, which makes the epic enjoyable to readers. Odysseus’s point of view upholds most of the text. His first person narration twists the plot of the text to his thoughts and beliefs, and lets…

Words 289 - Pages 2

The Odyssey Essay

A Woman's Power The goddess Athena in The Odyssey is portrayed as strong willed and is shown to have high influence over the heroes and gods in the epic poem. Athena had power among and over men many times, almost contrary to most Greek societies around the time The Odyssey was written. Athena, of course, wasn't the only female with influence over men; but, her influence can be seen as more impactful to those around her because she stills leaves them with their own free will to choose whether or…

Words 799 - Pages 4

Qualities Of Odysseus As A Leader In Homer's The Odyssey

see the owner himself, in the hope that he might give me a present.” (The Odyssey, page 110) However, further on in the expedition, Odysseus helps his crew by commanding them to plug their ears with wax so they would not hear the song of the sirens. By doing this, Odysseus saved his entire crew. Even though none of the crew survived to the end, Odysseus learned to become a more adept…

Words 761 - Pages 4

Deceit Through The Classes In Homer's Odyssey

Deceit Through The Classes In The Odyssey Trickery and deceit play a huge part in The Odyssey. Gods, heros, and lesser characters all participate in deceiving others. Due to their different classes though, consequences to the lies vary. Gods normally get away with it if their intentions are pure. Heroes can have some consequences, but for the most part people understand and forgive them easily. Lesser characters have more consequences due to the fact that they are lower class. Athena, Odysseus,…

Words 836 - Pages 4

Odyssey: the Journey of a Hero Essay

Odyssey: The Journey of a Hero The Hero's Journey is never an easy one. This particular journey, as detailed in Homer's The Odyssey, is one of struggle, loss, heartache, pain, growth and triumph. It is comprised of many steps that Odysseus has to overcome and battle through in order to achieve his final goal of reaching his home and his loved ones. From the Call to Adventure to the Freedom or Gift of living, Odysseus conquered them all. The story begins in the middle of the story, as many…

Words 1896 - Pages 8

Ever-Lasting In Odysseus Of Homer's Odyssey

out breakfast and Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, shows up. Both Odysseus and Eumaeus are surprised to see Telemachus. Eventually, Odysseus reveals to Telemachus that he is actually Odysseus. When Odysseus is first in the palace, Telemachus has no idea it is him. Telemachus treats him like he is some peasant that just wants to cause trouble. Then, when he finds out Odysseus is actually here, Telemachus gives Odysseus everything. In looking at Telemachus’ behavior in the Odyssey, one can examine Odysseus’…

Words 403 - Pages 2

Personal Narrative: The Odyssey

The Odyssey is one of the most recognized classics of its time. I remember reading it for the first time during my freshman year of high school. At the time, I had overlooked it as merely a story about a man going through a journey to return back home. After being exposed to The Odyssey again after 6 years, it has definitely sparked a new interest in me to envision the story in a way I had never done before. If I were to be the director of a cinematic version of The Odyssey, I would include some…

Words 1012 - Pages 5