Homer’s The Odyssey: A Tale of Bravery and Honor
Homer’s The Odyssey, is a literary work of art that had transcended time with its thematic influences and its portrayal of different characters. The latter is especially true with the consideration of two of the main characters in the narrative, Odysseus, and Telemachus. The father and son exhibit similarities, as well as differences in circumstances, shape their existence. One fundamental difference that exists between Telemachus and his father Odysseus is their bravery in the face of odds that are much skewed against them (Howell 23). Undoubtedly, this is brought on by the fact that Odysseus is a mighty warrior, endowed with super-human strength from the gods. Consequently, he is unafraid of combat as he believes his skills to be good enough in enabling him to defeat any foe, numerous or mighty as they may be.
Honor and Virtue: Different Paths, Same Destination
Odysseus and his son, Telemachus each hold honor and virtue to a high degree both in their personalities, as well as in their interactions. For instance, Odysseus, being a noble warrior, could not refuse any challenge that was propositioned against him given that it was a noble one. For instance, his decision to intricate himself with the Trojan war, seeking out the glory of battle instead of the fulfills of fatherhood, is an excellent example of his moral compass. Fighting good fights led him away from his family and ended Odysseus in the arms of the goddess Calypso. Telemachus, on the other hand, is consumed by his quest to find his father and bring him home. This is meant as a reactive measure to the hordes of suitors who had begun surrounding his mother, Penelope. Telemachus wished to see their home in Ithaca prosper again, and perhaps even more so, he desired for his family to be complete.
Physical Strength: A Powerful Contrast
The physical strength portrayed by the two pieces of evidence further divergence between the two persons (Howell 17). In this regard, Odysseus is shown to possess extreme strength, which he would wield in the battle against his enemies, however young or well-trained they were. Because of his strength, Odysseus had become a great warrior, a subject of legend, to be spoken of the world over. His son Telemachus was also reasonably healthy, being a young man in his prime physical health. However, his strength paled in comparison with that of his father, who had aged into his forties. Where Telemachus was investigating any information, he could find on his father, and learning of the numerous battles in which his father had participated and won, Odysseus himself was attempting to find his way back to his wife and son, against such unfavorable odds such as the storm conjured by Poseidon.
Compassion: The Measure of Humanity
Another critical difference between the two is their level of compassion for others. Being an epic hero, Odysseus has had to face many a ruthless opponent on the battlefield. In turn, this has resulted in the hardening of his heart and complete disregard for notions of mercy or compassion. This is perhaps most evident when he refuses to spare Leódês’ life, although the man had never shown aggression toward his family and pleading for his life. At this moment, the audience realizes that Odysseus is not as emotionally hinged as his son, Telemachus who had grown up without the implications of being an epic hero like his father before him. He emotes better than Odysseus when they are both in similar circumstances, as evident when he spares the life of Phêemios, and Medôn (Hopman 32). Homer’s Odysseus and Telemachus have some astounding similarities, but also, have significant differences, that help to define the larger themes of right and wrong.
Works Cited
Hopman, Marianne. “Narrative and Rhetoric in Odysseus' Tales to The Phaeacians.” The American Journal of Philology, vol. 133, no. 1, 2012, pp. 1–30., www.jstor.org/stable/41416317.
Howell, Emily Nicole. “Odysseus Deconstructed: Crossing the Threshold into Critical Thinking.” The English Journal, vol. 102, no. 1, 2012, pp. 61–66. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/23269385.
