In the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus and Telemachus have learned many lessons throughout their journeys home. Odysseus and Telemachus both learn about the ways of humanity: they learn to discover their character, learn lessons of truth, and learn to be resilient.
Odysseus and Telemachus both discover their true identities in their respective journeys. Odysseus’ returning to Ithaca after many years away from home signifies a returning to himself after many years of trying to find himself. Athena tells him when he does not recognize his homeland that “You must be a fool, stranger, or come from nowhere, if you really have to ask what this land is.” (294) The narrator says “Ithaca... heart racing, Odysseus filled with joy to hear Athena …show more content…
He stood on native ground at last.” (294) These two quotations illustrate Odysseus’ longing to come home, not just to Ithaca the place, but himself. He was the king of Ithaca back home; however, on his journey, he had to support all of his crew in near-death experiences. Odysseus can finally become the slightly carefree man he once was. Another way Odysseus discovers himself through his homecoming is after his crew kills Helios’ cattle. Zeus creates lightning and wind to hit Odysseus’ ship, but Odysseus “[goes] lurching along our battered hulk till the sea-surge ripped the plankings from the keel.” (284) Although the quotation is only talking about the ship literally, Odysseus learns to be persistent and determined from this incident, even when his “ship” for the sea of life may be ruined. Although his vehicle for going through life might be holding on by a thread, Odysseus still can gain meaning from his life. Telemachus, too, learns the meaning of life and discovers his character through his journey to find the truth. Telemachus reaches adulthood and gains both wisdom and maturity. When Telemachus and Athena journey to visit King Nestor, …show more content…
Telemachus is given a role model and rises to these high expectations. Earlier in the book, Telemachus seemed helpless in his own life, “his heart obsessed with grief.” (81) Telemachus, like Odysseus, learns to control his grief and channel it into challenging what is happening in his life and then changing it. When Odysseus comes back and the suitors challenge him, “Telemachus--too quick--stabbed the man from behind, plunging his bronze spear between the suitor’s [Amphinomus’] shoulders and straight on through his chest the point came jutting out.” (442) These quotations show that Telemachus understands now how to defend himself and also defend Odysseus’ legacy. The fact that the arrow shot by Telemachus went through
Odysseus and Telemachus both discover their true identities in their respective journeys. Odysseus’ returning to Ithaca after many years away from home signifies a returning to himself after many years of trying to find himself. Athena tells him when he does not recognize his homeland that “You must be a fool, stranger, or come from nowhere, if you really have to ask what this land is.” (294) The narrator says “Ithaca... heart racing, Odysseus filled with joy to hear Athena …show more content…
He stood on native ground at last.” (294) These two quotations illustrate Odysseus’ longing to come home, not just to Ithaca the place, but himself. He was the king of Ithaca back home; however, on his journey, he had to support all of his crew in near-death experiences. Odysseus can finally become the slightly carefree man he once was. Another way Odysseus discovers himself through his homecoming is after his crew kills Helios’ cattle. Zeus creates lightning and wind to hit Odysseus’ ship, but Odysseus “[goes] lurching along our battered hulk till the sea-surge ripped the plankings from the keel.” (284) Although the quotation is only talking about the ship literally, Odysseus learns to be persistent and determined from this incident, even when his “ship” for the sea of life may be ruined. Although his vehicle for going through life might be holding on by a thread, Odysseus still can gain meaning from his life. Telemachus, too, learns the meaning of life and discovers his character through his journey to find the truth. Telemachus reaches adulthood and gains both wisdom and maturity. When Telemachus and Athena journey to visit King Nestor, …show more content…
Telemachus is given a role model and rises to these high expectations. Earlier in the book, Telemachus seemed helpless in his own life, “his heart obsessed with grief.” (81) Telemachus, like Odysseus, learns to control his grief and channel it into challenging what is happening in his life and then changing it. When Odysseus comes back and the suitors challenge him, “Telemachus--too quick--stabbed the man from behind, plunging his bronze spear between the suitor’s [Amphinomus’] shoulders and straight on through his chest the point came jutting out.” (442) These quotations show that Telemachus understands now how to defend himself and also defend Odysseus’ legacy. The fact that the arrow shot by Telemachus went through