Father and Son Relationship in the Odyssey - Term Paper Example

FATHER AND SON RELATIONSHIP IN THE ODYSSEY 27 March Odyssey is a poem that portrays a Greek champion called Odysseus. Odysseus is a great warrior who fights for the defence of his land, Ithaca. The political system in Ithaca does not have a formal structure based on power, therefore anyone who shows more superior skills, intelligence and excellence than others is the one given the leadership status. This is the case with Odysseus such that even in his long absence, the position is still reserved for him. Odysseus therefore earns honor and admiration from his people as a true role model. For twenty years, he is away from home. He spends ten of these years fighting in the Trojan War. For the rest of the years, he is trying to reach home in Ithaca, where his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, are. As he is on his return back home, his ship is destroyed by Hellios for slaughtering his cattle. Calypso then detains him for seven years so as to have him to herself. Calypso is a pretty lustful goddess who wants to marry Odysseus. Odysseus on the other hand is longing for Penelope and his land, Ithaca. His nights are spent sleeping with Calypso, while during the day he is fending for his household. Odysseus’ long absence from home results into an assumption that he is dead and will never come back. But this is not the case because he has been held captive in a foreign land. In the meantime, suitors are coming to woo Penelope. However, she does not show interest in any of them and is not able to send them away. She reluctantly says she is not through weaving Odysseus’ father, Laertes’, a robe. She does this with the intention of keeping the suitors at bay. The presence of the suitors is also making the household to incur heavy losses. This is because the suitors are drinking and eating, but not meeting the costs. Telemachus is also coming of age and is confused about what to do with them. Together with his mother, they are longing for the return of Odysseus1. Now the long wait for Odysseus has impacted negatively on mother and son. And for Telemachus, it is even worse because no father-son relationship has ever existed between them. As Strasser asserts, the development of a son is highly dependent on the presence of his father.2 The presence of a father is important since it contributes to the moulding of the son’s character. But for Telemachus, he has no father figure in his life to mould him. The only people around him are his mother and the suitors. He is confronted by the suitors as he tries to send them away. They are also blaming his mother for her failure to make a choice in time. His situation is becoming tougher as he is also approaching his manhood. This is due to the unsettled state of his mother and the suitors, and the continuous exhaustion of the family resources. Goddess Athena appears to him masquerading as an old friend of his father, Mentes. She advises him to go find out from the heroes who came from Troy, if they know anything about Odysseus’ situation. It is from here that his adventure begins.3 The objective of this adventure is to get assistance on how to solve the issues facing Ithaca. And as Telemachus leaves for Pylos and Sparta, the suitors are hatching a plan to eliminate him on his return. At Pylos, he gets some clue about his father, but is determined to reach Sparta. Telemachus’ journey is not only just about knowing the fate of his father, but also learning good modes of behavior. While in Pylos, he meets Nestor and his sons who are very welcoming. They therefore take the initiative to teach him about the good behavior modes he is seeking. When he reaches Sparta, he meets King Menelaus who again tells him about Odysseus. King Menelaus discloses to him that his father is still alive, but is held captive by goddess nymph Calypso. At the mention of Odysseus’ name, Telemachus is in tears making Menelaus conclude that he could be Odysseus’ son. In Ithaca, Penelope also burns with the desire for relief from the suitors. Meanwhile, it is revealed that Odysseus has been released and is returning home. This happens while Telemachus is still away in Sparta. Telemachus therefore resumes his journey back from Sparta convinced that his father is on the way back home. When he reaches home, he finds his father but cannot identify him. This is because he has come disguised as a beggar. Even Penelope is not sure but suspects he could be the one. At this time, she is also fed up with her suitors. She has therefore made up her mind to marry the fellow who is able to string the bow of Odysseus. But none of them is able to make it. It is at this time that Odysseus reveals his identity and they reunite as a family. It is worth noting here that during his adventure, Telemachus learns that he takes after his father, Odysseus. This is because the people he meets talk of his resemblance to Odysseus. They also tell him of the great achievements of his father. They further allege that Odysseus’ son would be a great hero like him. Telemachus’ life is full obstacles which he must overcome. The situation in Ithaca is worsening to the point of almost plunging into a civil war. Telemachus risks being killed most probably by his mother’s suitors as he is perceived as a threat to them. Although he is Odysseus’ son, he does not have any close connection with him. This is because of Odysseus’ long absence from home, which made them think that he is dead. But when Athena appears and tells him his father is alive, he develops confidence in himself. He decides to face the challenge for the sake of his life and that of his mother. Athena advises him to take a journey to the land of Sparta so as to know the situation surrounding his father. This is the first obstacle he overcomes by having confidence in himself at his young age. Secondly, he faces the encounter with the suitors who have depleted his family resources. This again is another big obstacle in his life since some of them are even plotting to kill him. But as he comes of age, he gathers courage and faces them off.4 Telemachus courageously tells them to pack and leave so that they can go enjoy their food and ruin their own homes. He also fearlessly tells them of his prayers to the gods that he may one day do away with them. He faces a very strong opposition from the suitors as they stubbornly seek for his elimination. But he is determined to win because he has gathered courage against them. Also, the decision to leave home for the first time is a big test to him since he has limited experience. But he secretly leaves with a group of companions without his mother’s knowledge. The journey to Sparta and Pylos is long and full of hurdles, but he patiently strives on and is determined to save his father. Again in this journey, he must also seek his own emergence to take control in the absence of his father. Therefore, his patience and endurance keep him going even when he does not know what lies ahead. Telemachus is also a self-inspired prince. This is displayed when he and his shipmates face the shipwreck in the sea. Here, he issues instructions to his shipmates about what to do and this forms part of their rescue. Being brought up without a father figure in his life, Telemachus is an inexperienced, doomed and destitute young man. The hopeless situation is further complicated by the presence of suitors who have raided their home to woo his mother. He is afraid to send them away and does not seem to have hope in seeing his father one day. But as the book progresses, positive changes start taking place in his life. This marks the stages of his transition from a young terrified and frightened boy, to a man who wants to avenge the abuse he has been subjected to.5 Telemachus development to a man begins when Athena appears to him disguised as Mentes, his father’s old friend. Athena breaks the news about Odysseus, his father. Telemachus is shocked by the revelation that his father is still alive. At the same time, he doubts if there is any truth in it. He is so terrified that he cannot speak out to get more facts about this developing story. Instead, he speaks quietly with Athena about what to do so the suitors may not hear him. He is reluctant and is not ready to make a move. But he is challenged by Athena who tells him that he is past the childhood age and therefore should grow up and be bold enough to face life. This inspires him to combine efforts with some of his companions to undertake an adventure in search of his long lost father. Similarly, he has been bothered by the presence of the suitors all his life, but has not been able to do anything about them. The childish mentality and the quietness he displays both begin ruining their family. But as he comes of age, he realizes that he cannot continue tolerating the suitors in their house anymore. He therefore, with the advice of Athena, calls a gathering and publicly declares his displeasure about these suitors. Even though some of them stubbornly and arrogantly confront him, he delivers his speech but with little success.6 This is due to the fact that they come from royal families hence have low regard for him. After addressing them, he sets off on the journey to know the fate of his father. This also sets him on the path of conversion to a man. This is because he must also seek out his own emergence to take control in the absence of his father. This is a task which he cannot manage with a child’s mentality. It is also worth noting Telemachus’ conversion to a man begins when he tries to encourage his depressed mother. The mother is hopelessly complaining to Antonious about his song. This is because the song touches on her lost husband and is therefore paining her heart. She then urges him to play something else, but the son tells the mother to comfort herself. He further assures her that it is not only Odysseus that did not come back from Troy. This is a sign of a remarkable growth from a once frightened and terrified boy, to a person who can console. Here, his conversion to a man is evidently depicted as he outgrows his childhood fears. Again, as he also matures, he is seeking to revenge against the suitors. He confesses this during his public address to the suitors before leaving for his voyage. After visiting Nestor and Menelaus, he is coming back ready to take revenge. He is prepared to wage war on the suitors who have raided and ruined their home. While still in Sparta, even Zeus learns that Telemachus has hatched a plan of execution against the suitors. The plan succeeds when he reunites with his father on his return. This shows the tremendous transformation in Telemachus life.7 He is no longer the once scared frightened boy, but a man who is ready to defend his territory. Another remarkable characteristic in Telemachus’ life that marks his conversion to a man is evident during his voyage. After meeting King Menelaus who tells him the whereabouts of his father, he displays self-independence and assurance. He also emulates the characters of the people he encounters during his journey. This develops his confidence too, thereby shedding off feelings of inferiority and gaining self-reliance. He then orders his entourage to leave and embark on their journey to Ithaca. This is because he is determined to go and straighten up things that have been messed up in Ithaca. Therefore, apart from outgrowing his childhood status, it can also be confidently said that Telemachus is set to become a great person like his father, Odysseus. Telemachus development to maturity can therefore be seen from three virtues he gains namely prudence, courage and wisdom. The relationship between Telemachus and Odyssey can be seen from their re-encounter. From the re-encounter, it is clear that although father and son have had no chance to develop a connection, they are alike in many ways. They are both heros and freedom fighters and are both involved in adventures. In their encounters, the virtues of patience, planning, humility, hospitality and prudence can be seen clearly in both of them. First and foremost, Telemachus is depicted as a hero. Despite his young age, he is deeply concerned about the situations facing them in Ithaca. When Athena appears to him and tells him his father is alive, he is psyched up to go search for him. On the journey, he is also seeking for his developmental skills with which he can defend his people in Ithaca. During his journey, he is told about how great he is likely to become since he is Odysseus’ son. This is because he displays boldness and courage in his speeches and the people are convinced that he can accomplish much just like his father. In Telemachus, Ithaca people have hope for a better future even after Odysseus will have died. Telemachus also gathers courage to send away the suitors who have greatly contributed to the depletion of their family resources. He therefore organizes for a public address to make known his intentions. They show him little regard because they are from royal families but he does not give up on his assignment. He is not threatened even though some of them are hatching a plot to eliminate him on his return to Ithaca. As he leaves for Sparta he even announces to them about his revenge mission he has against them.8 This is achieved when he reunites with his father and together, they slaughter them. Telemachus is portrayed as a terrified, fearful and destitute boy when the book begins. He views himself as a victim of the negative prevailing circumstances in Ithaca. He is therefore growing up with defeated mentality. The family is being ruined and resources are being exhausted but he does not act at all. But on inspiration by Athena, he is encouraged and decides to step out of his terror so as to seek his independence. As he calls for the assembly to tell off the suitors of their injustices to the family, he is headed for greatness. This shows the quest for freedom, an essential ingredient for him and his people. The journey to Sparta and Pylos are also a demonstration of the spirit of a freedom fighter. He is truly seeking the independence of his family from prejudices of the suitors. His mastery of good conversation with the people he encounters portrays him as a true fighter. But it is until he discovers his hidden abilities that he begins to exploit this incredible trait. We learn from Telemachus that freedom fighters are self-driven people. They are also independent and never quit even when things get tough. Odysseus has been away fighting in the war of Troy for ten years. As Telemachus is also out for a journey to search for his father, he learns things he had never known about his father. He meets people who praise him and are talking about the great achievements he has had. They also contend that Telemachus is set to becoming a hero like him. Telemachus on his part also displays the character of a hero when he sets off to look for his father. With his little experience he steps out into the wilderness he knows nothing about. His aim is to find his father. Again as a hero, he is the one issuing commands to the people he is travelling with. When their ship wrecks in the sea, he immensely contributes to their rescue. From this, it is clear that Telemachus and Odysseus are heroes as they fight to defend their interests and those of their people. Also, both father and son are involved in an adventure. For Odysseus, his journey is to fight for the defense of his natives, while for Telemachus, his journey is about finding his lost father and also seeking his establishment. Telemachus starts the journey as a young terrified and inexperienced young man. Odysseus begins it as a greatly experienced and accomplished warrior. He has taken ten years fighting in the Trojan War. There are lessons that both learn from their journeys. Telemachus learns about good behaviour modes from Nestor and his sons. He also learns about the virtues of kindness and hospitality from both Nestor and King Menelaus. For Odysseus, his journey involves trouble such as detention, poverty and many other natural sufferings. These therefore influence and shape his life. From the journeys, as Telemachus matures into a man, Odysseus becomes more humane. He is so compassionate and considerate as he reunites with his family. The family has been traumatized by the presence of the suitors who had waged an endless battle on them. Furthermore, they have exhausted all their resources. As a result, the family is worn out since the situation is more than they can tolerate. Odysseus therefore, shows a deep kindness and humane character to his wife as they reunite. Telemachus is very hospitable and welcoming. In their house, guests are welcomed and well treated. The guests nourish their bodies with foods and baths. He also politely enquires who the guests are, where they are from and what their mission is. This is evident in his first meeting with Athena, who has come disguised as his father’s old friend. She is nicely treated as Telemachus welcomes her to the feast. She refreshes herself and is also touched by this act of kindness. Before she leaves, she’s confesses that Telemachus’ hospitality will earn him favor from the gods. As the guests feast, Telemachus also allows them a chance to share histories of their successes. This sharing forms part of his learning as he is growing to maturity. In addition, he has even hosted and fed the suitors who have come to woo his mother, despite incurring heavy losses. His virtue of kindness and hospitality is further portrayed during his meeting with Nestor and Menelaus. They are kind and generous to him just as he is to them. Odysseus also understands the value of hospitality but in his case, he uses it to get what he wants and survive during his time away from his family. Its presence and absence is something he deals with throughout the story. While there are instances where he experiences no hospitality such as when he encounters the Cyclops, he does experience it in other instances, for example with the Phaeacians. Scapp and Seitz state that the Phaecians who return strangers home with their swift ships do so for Odysseus and “exemplify the very limit conditions of the etiquette of guest-friendship-Odysseus has been set down, while in a deep sleep, as if in a dream, on the shores of Ithaca ”.9 From the beginning of the book, Telemachus is growing under the care of his mother because his father is away. Murnaghan asserts that a son should receive advantages of his Father and have knowledge about whom and what he is.10 Hence the absence of Telemachus’ father denies him these privileges. Telemachus’ discovery of how he resembles his father makes him realize the level of dependence a son has on his father. A relationship is a connection that exists between two people, parties or organizations. No relationship has ever existed between Telemachus and his father during his early years. But this connection later begins as he reunites with him after his return from the voyage. Again as Odysseus reunites with his son Telemachus, we learn of the satisfaction that exists between a father and son. Father-son relationship forms an influential domain in the development of a boy, something that Telemachus never experienced. Therefore, it should be highly regarded because it can be damaging or helpful in shaping a son’s quality. In the absence of Odysseus, Telemachus has been growing up with a child’s mentality of defeat. He only overcomes the situation when Athena comes and opens his eyes. Also, lack of father-son relationship leads to depression and lower personal development . This is evident in Telemachus life since he has been deeply depressed by the existing situation in the family. Shockingly, he does not know how to deal with it and is suffering quietly. In conclusion, Homer’s book the Odyssey brings out Telemachus development from a young boy to a man. His development is however faced with a lot of challenges, but being a boy with qualities similar to those of his father, Telemachus is able to overcome them. Their relationship as father and son is also well understood and from their re-encounter, a lot of similarities, which are usually characteristic of biological fathers and sons are also portrayed. A father-son relationship should be embraced since contributes to the nurturing of the son. Its existence instills certain qualities on the son. This is something that was lacking in Telemachus’ life and which he should have obtained as he grew up. In addition, the relationship helps in the orientation of the son in various aspects of life. Father-son relationships also strengthen the bond of the family. As the reunion of Odysseus and Telemachus takes place, an extreme humane character between them is revealed. This is because it rekindles the affectionate communication that exists between a father and a son. Because sons are weighed on the same platforms as their fathers, Telemachus is set for greatness. This is due to the fact he has displayed the spirit of a hero. The presence of his father will also cultivate more qualities in him and prepare him to take over after him. Bibliography Campbell, Joseph. The Hero With A Thousand Faces. California: Joseph Campbell Foundation, 2008. Coker, Christopher. Humane Warfare. New York: Routledge, 2001. Hawkesworth, John. The adventures of Telemachus, the Son of Ulysses. New York: Leavitt, Trow and Company, 2013. Homer and William Cullen Bryant. The Odyssey. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1872. Hubert, Renee Riese and Judd D. Hubert. The Adventures of Telemachus. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1988. Kuthen, Britta. “A Better Life”: The Father-Son Relationship. Munich: GRIN Publishers, 2013. Murnaghan, Sheila. Disguise and Recognition in the Odyssey. Pennsylvania: Lexington Books, 2011. Parcell, Stephen and Alberto Perez-Gomez. Chora: 6 (Intervals in the Philosophy of Architecture). Quebec: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2011. Salignac, François et al. Adventures of Telemachus. New York, NY: Derby and Jackson, 1859. Salignac, François, de La Mothe Fénelon and ‎John Lockhart Ross. Telemachus. London: James Blackwood, Paternoster Row, 1860. Scapp, Ron and Brian Seitz. Etiquette: Reflections on Contemporary Comportment. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2007. Sokolov, Elliot. Homers the Odyssey: A Play with Music. Woodstock, IL: Dramatic Publishers, 1998. Strasser, Daniel. Affectionate Communication, Satisfaction and Solidarity in Father Adult-Son Relationships. Kentucky: Northern Kentucky University, 2008. Stubbes, George. A New Adventure of Telemachus. London: Wilkins Publishers, 1731. Read More