Why is family important in the Odyssey?
The household in Homer’s The Odyssey can be considered the basis of Ancient Greek society, as all societal recognition and conventions stem from this unit. Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus recognize the deep importance of their family household, and possess the persistent need to maintain its integrity and tradition.
What is the importance of Telemachus in the Odyssey?
Throughout the Odyssey, Telemachus variously acts as a competitor with the suitors for control of Ithaca, a guest to Nestor and Menelaus, a host in his own household, and a son, and in each of these he provides a contrast to other characters who perform the same role differently.
What does Telemachus symbolize?
In Greek mythology, Telemachus is the son of Odysseus. When, as an infant Telemachus fell into the ocean, dolphins saved him in tribute, Odysseus wore the emblem of the dolphins as a symbol on his shield. The name Telemachus means “far from battle.”
What qualities does Telemachus possess to make him a suitable heir?
The importance symbolically of Telemachus’s journey in The Odyssey is it shows Telemachus has the courage and strength to be a legitimate ruler, according to ancient Greek cultural customs.
Who killed Telemachus?
Others relate that he was induced by Athena to marry Circe, and became by her the father of Latinus (Hygin. Fab. 127; comp. Telegonus), or that he married Cassiphone, a daughter of Circe, but in a quarrel with his mother-in-law he slew her, for which in his turn he was killed by Cassiphone (Tzetz.
Which God gives Odysseus the most trouble?
Poseidon, the god of the sea, is angry with Odysseus because of Odysseus’s treatment of Poseidon’s son, the cyclops Polyphemus. When Odysseus and his men land on Polyphemus’s island on their journey from Troy to Ithaca, Polyphemus eats a few of Odysseus’s crew and takes the rest of them prisoner.
Who is Telemachus describe him?
Telemachus. Odysseus’s son. An infant when Odysseus left for Troy, Telemachus is about twenty at the beginning of the story. He is a natural obstacle to the suitors desperately courting his mother, but despite his courage and good heart, he initially lacks the poise and confidence to oppose them.
How is Telemachus different from his father?
Telemachus never fully matches his father’s talents, at least not by The Odyssey’s conclusion. He has a stout heart and an active mind, and sometimes even a bit of a temper, but he never schemes with the same skill or speaks with quite the same fluency as Odysseus.
How does Telemachus show his manhood?
For Telemachus to possess a skill for oratory, the property of distinguished men, indicates his entrance into manhood. Telemachus’ appearance also undergoes change as he appears more adult, regal, and godlike than in his youth.
What are Telemachus strengths and weaknesses?
Weaknesses : Telemachus lacked courage in the beginning of the epic. He often had a hard time standing up to the suitors that was taking over his home. Obstacles the character overcame: With the help of Athena, Telemachus was able to mature into a more courageous hero.
How is Telemachus loyal?
In Homer’s Odyssey one can see loyalty in many forms. Odysseus is loyal to the gods whom he realized held his life in their hands. Telemachus was loyal to a father whom he only knew from the stories he had been told. Time and time again we see loyalty in the strongest sense, complete fidelity in time of uncertainty.
How old is Telemachus?
Telemachus is between twenty and twenty-one years old in The Odyssey.
What did Telemachus want?
After he joins his father and is made an important part of the king’s plot to overcome the suitors, a good deal of Telemachus’ motivation is based on faith. He believes in the support of the gods, especially Athena; and he believes in this great man, his father, whom he has known only as a legend.