The Odyssey1
Throughout Homer's The Odyssey, many tangible symbols are used to represent abstract ideas. Each symbol that Homer uses has two meanings. The double meanings of these symbols are used to represent Odysseus and Telemachus as they strive to meet each other. While each symbol has a meaning that represents the growth of Telemachus, each one also represents, by another meaning, the growth and development of Odysseus. When they meet for the first time, the symbols, and the character traits that they represent converge, and the resemblance between Odysseus and Telemachus becomes complete. One of the main ideas running throughout the Odyssey is the importance of water. It has the power of giving life and quick, safe travel, but it also has the potential to drown you. Water can be considered a paradox in and of itself. While it is good and usually life giving, it also demonstrates how too much of a good thing can bring harm. It brings much harm to Odysseus as he is traveling to Phaeacia, "Now Zeus lord of cloud roused in the north a storm against the ships and driving veils of squall moved down like night on land and sea." (Book IX, 71-73) Every
Another main symbol seen all throughout the Odyssey is that of caves. The expression, "tomb or womb" has been used to explain the double meaning of the cave. In other words, the cave is either a place of shelter, or a place of mystery, even death. One of the most obvious places where the symbol of the tomb cave is used is when Odysseus and his group find their way into Polyphemus' dwelling. Many of Odysseus' good men die there. Symbols, which each have a double meaning are used throughout The Odyssey to represent different facets of the characters of Odysseus and Telemachus. Each interpretation of the symbols exemplifies either Odysseus or Telemachus. As the two characters grow and develop, and the father-son reunion occurs, the two meanings converge into one, and "Neither reply nor pity came from him, and well-made clothing the Phaiakians gave him. powerless, looking on at this, appalled;" (307-308) Telemachus. He is not excessive, and has been in fact humbled by the suitors in their years there. Further, Telemachus has never seen any trouble with the water or the sea, "Grey-Eyed Athena stirred then a following wind soughing from the north-west on the winedark sea" (Book III, 439-440). The water never hurts Telemachus and always helps him. Telemachus does not get the chance, as his father did, to Perish from his own exces
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 914
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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