Telemachus Odyssey

A detailed Summary of Telemachus Odyssey


The Odyssey, though named for the great warrior and story focus Odysseus, cannot be soley regarded as a single man's journey. The growth in intellect, maturity, and strength the Odysseus undergoes is reflected distinctly in his son, Telemachus. In the first books, other characters continue to treat him much as a child, and in many respects, Telemachus still acts like one. The first few books illustrate the relationship between Telemachus and his father, a father he has barely known. When Odysseus left his wife and child, Telemachus was still an infant. For his want of a father, Athena acts as a mentor to him; particularly when she gives him the courage to journey from his home in search of his father. Had he not the courage here, he could not have stood against the suitors' wills in the final books.

Telemachus's emotional growth is key to the paralleling storylines. When Menelaus mentions his father, the young Telemachus breaks down in tears, betraying his immaturity. However, the pride he feels


Odysseus faces a similar situation. He, like Telemachus, worries about his family - Penelope in particular - and kingdom, possibly triggered by Proteus' mention of Agamemnon, who was killed by his own wife. The titular hero of this epic romance laments his seeming fate and the deaths of his crew, but continues with the courage and hope of reaching home. It seems that Odysseus learns little, unlike Telemachus, but not by any fault of his own, I think. He may simply be the epitome of Greek standards, clever and noble as he often is, and actually has little room to grow.

The key moment, the point at which Telemachus exceeds even his own expectations if not dreams, comes when Penelope offers the challenge of Odysseus' bow. Each of the suitors tries and fails, but Telemachus makes the same bid for his birthright; he could have strung the bow, but for his father's signal not to. Had Telemachus succeeded, he would have been fully grown, but at the mercy of the vengeful suitors. Odysseus' revelation catches them off-guard enoug

Some common words found in the essay are:
Odyssey Odyssey, Pylos Sparta, Odysseus Telemachus, Trojan War, telemachus father, son telemachus, king ithaca,

Approximate Word count = 698
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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