Although at first glance The Odyssey appears to be a story about Odysseus’ personal journey, it is composed of many smaller odysseys that coalesce into the greater narrative of Odysseus’ homecoming. Odysseus’ odyssey is physical, in which he must grow and utilized his physical strength, while on the other hand, his wife Penelope undergoes and emotional journey in which she strives to stay true to herself and her morals. Their journeys converge in their son Telemachos. Not only is his odyssey necessary to grow his physical strength and make him ready to match the suitors, he must also emotionally mature into a man, ready to conquer the strife he faces in his home. It is only when Telemachos has completed his own journey and grown into a man,
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Telemachos has grown in physical and emotional strength and maturity that he is ready to meet his father, however, he will never quite measure up to Odysseus. Although both have undergone trials, Odysseus’ time in the Trojan War and trials through the Odyssey makes him a man hard to equal up to. Although they work together, Telemachus and Odysseus are not equal, this inequality being highlighted with the challenge of the bow. It is impossible for Telemachos to string the bow and even when he comes close Odysseus in the guise of the beggar stops him. Telemachos is still controlled by his father, and will never possess as much strength as Odysseus, the bow being a task only Odysseus can complete. Odysseus finally reveals himself Telemachus describes his father as a “marvel” (16.254). To him, Odysseus is still much like a mythical figure who Telemachus has heard countless great stories about instead of a real father. Right before Odysseus is revealed, Telemachus doubts his own power claiming, “I am not old enough or trained in arms. Could I defend myself if someone picked a fight with me?” (16.82-84). Telemachos’ strength is governed by other’s opinions of him. With Mentor he wants to prove himself worthy of greatness and strives to measure up to the great Orestes. With Odysseus, he wants to impress this marvel of a father he has never known and prove himself worthy of his lineage. Now, instead of merely passively dreaming about his father killing the suitors, Telemachos has awoken and is actively fulfilling his dream of
Telemachos has grown in physical and emotional strength and maturity that he is ready to meet his father, however, he will never quite measure up to Odysseus. Although both have undergone trials, Odysseus’ time in the Trojan War and trials through the Odyssey makes him a man hard to equal up to. Although they work together, Telemachus and Odysseus are not equal, this inequality being highlighted with the challenge of the bow. It is impossible for Telemachos to string the bow and even when he comes close Odysseus in the guise of the beggar stops him. Telemachos is still controlled by his father, and will never possess as much strength as Odysseus, the bow being a task only Odysseus can complete. Odysseus finally reveals himself Telemachus describes his father as a “marvel” (16.254). To him, Odysseus is still much like a mythical figure who Telemachus has heard countless great stories about instead of a real father. Right before Odysseus is revealed, Telemachus doubts his own power claiming, “I am not old enough or trained in arms. Could I defend myself if someone picked a fight with me?” (16.82-84). Telemachos’ strength is governed by other’s opinions of him. With Mentor he wants to prove himself worthy of greatness and strives to measure up to the great Orestes. With Odysseus, he wants to impress this marvel of a father he has never known and prove himself worthy of his lineage. Now, instead of merely passively dreaming about his father killing the suitors, Telemachos has awoken and is actively fulfilling his dream of