Telemachus Family In The Odyssey

In life, there are many definition of what it is to be one’s family, to be one’s son. If a man adopts his son , but treats him as if he were was his own, is he their father? And if the biological son of a man never talks to his father, is estranged from him, are they in fact still family? In Homer’s The Odyssey, this is the question asked to Telemachus, the son of Odysseus; a boy “inept at battle.” (2.66) And although Telemachus is most certainly Odysseus’s biological son, it is only in the journey to find his father that he can truly become like his father, a king and a brilliant strategist of war. In order to measure up to his “fearless” father Odysseus, Telemachus must learn self-restraint, respect, and articulation in his words (4.303). …show more content…
It is revealed at the beginning of book one that Odysseus honored the gods as Athena speaks of the, “ ‘sacrifices [he] burned beside the ships on the broad plain of Troy.” (1.73-74) Telemachus is still not aware of this very important lesson, as he blames the gods for his plight with the suitors (1.83-84). This changes when Telemachus meets Pisistratus, a man about his age. The son of Nestor, Pisistratus is a successful prince, a role model for Telemachus. In book three, he tells Telemachus that, “ ‘all men need the gods.’ ” (3.55) Hearing this from a peer, the advice resounds with Telemachus. He cannot go through life alone, he needs the favor of the gods, and he can only do that by honoring them. Then, Pisistratus teaches Telemachus another important lesson; he offers the first cup to Athena disguised as Mentes, saying, “ ‘the man is younger, just about my age. That’s why I give the gold cup first to you [Athena].’ ” Telemachus learns about the importance of respecting those older than him. This was a lesson not imparted to him, as he grew up only with the grieving Penelope and a nurse that doted on him. This is further reinforced when Pisistratus obeys his father’s command to accompany Telemachus to Sparta. He is showing obedience, and more respect to his elders as a result. And, Telemachus keeps this in mind as well. Therefore, without his …show more content…
At first, Telemachus does not believe that he can speak well. He tells Athena that he is nervous about talking to King Nestor, as he is, “hardly adapt at subtle conversation.” (3.25) Time and time again; however, it is mentioned that Odysseus was elegant in the spoken word, and that Telemachus also speaks with the same articulation. Nestor tells Telemachus, “ ‘Your way with words - it’s just like his- I’d swear no youngster could ever speak like you, so apt , so telling.’ ” (3.139-140) The King Nestor, legendary at the time, tells Telemachus that he speaks well, encourages him. This begins his own belief that he has a talent in the area. It is with this that Telemachus is able to talk to Menelaus without the reassurance of Athena at all. Then, Menelaus tells him, “ Not even an older man could speak and do as well. Your father’s son you are- your words have all his wisdom.” (4.228-229) Here Telemachus is, and two kings have told him that he is extremely articulate, told him that he is worthy of his father because of it. Imagine the confidence this inspires in him. And although Telemachus has never been deficient in speaking, it is this confidence he gains from the kings that pushes him to speak exceptionally, even better than before. In this manner, learns the poise he needs to measure up to his father through the journey