Eulogy For Odysseus

Immediately after reading this section, I began to sympathize with the grandfather. His memory seems to be substantially impaired. Alzheimer's runs on my mother’s side of the family, so I know my fair share about memory loss and aging. My mom has had aunts who couldn't remember her face or name and watched as her grandparents’ memory deteriorated. Telemachos's grandfather's condition mirrors my kin's. The grandfather not only forgot Telemachos's name but confused him with his son. Also, the grandfather forgot what he was talking about almost immediately after speaking. Previous to this passage Telemachos mentioned how his grandfather will have good days and bad days. On the bad days, he'll neglect his hygiene and won't move. This could be a …show more content…
I'm not a medical expert but I've pondered about these questions for a few days, and I'm ready to attempt to answer them. Starting with Odysseus and how he affected his father, I believe his absence added to his father's sub-par mentality. Having your son leave and not knowing when, or if he'll come back would take a toll on anybody, especially an aging father. Thinking of all the different possibilities that could have happened to your son and reasons why he didn't come back could drive a sane person to insanity. In the previous paragraph, I explained my theory that Telemachos's grandfather had Alzheimer's disease. I believe that Odysseus taking his leave escalated or accelerated his father's mental downfall. One question down, one to go. How has Telemachos's grandfather influenced his family? Besides keeping Telemachos from important meetings, he gives the family structure. Judging by the time period, the back of the book and general customs, every family, especially the ruling family, needs a male head of the house. Telemachos is too young and immature (judging by the beginning of the book) to fill this position. The grandfather may not be able to fill the male head of house role mentally, but he can give the illusion that he can. In brief, Telemachos's grandfather affects his family by giving them the illusion …show more content…
Based on my experience with males, when you slightly threaten or challenge their masculinity, get ready for a fight. I'm sure this was also true of their Ancient Greek predecessors. Telemachos's actions in this passage support my conclusion. Telemachos has not yet grown facial hair, a right of passage for a boy entering manhood. When this fact is mentioned, Telemachos becomes embarrassed. Facial hair has always been and will always be a sign of masculinity, but in this book, I believe it to be a prominent symbol. To be head of the house, let alone be a king, you have to have gone through your right of passage. You have to be a man. I have that concluded that Telemachos could not hold the position of head of the house not just because he acts immaturely at times but also because he lacks a