Odysseus Universal Theme

Summary: The Meeting of Father and Son: Odysseus has finally returned home to Ithaca after his twenty year absence, but is advised by Athena to disguise himself as a beggar so that he is not recognized. He stays with his old swineherd, Eumaeus, and Odysseus’ son, Telemachus, who has been away from Ithaca for over a year, soon arrives at the same place. At dinner, neither of the men recognize Odysseus until Athena, who can no longer stand the suspense, removes Odysseus’ disguise. Initially, Telemachus think the gods are playing a trick on him, but soon realizes that it really is his father. The two men embrace and break down sobbing on one another for much of the night.

Obstacles as Universal Themes:

1. Self-Discipline The theme of self-discipline is apparent in the story when Telemachus is first introduced. He has gone his entire life without knowing his father nor having a father figure in his life, which would normally steer him on the right path, teaching him respect and discipline. Nevertheless, Telemachus has impeccable manners and respect; for example, when Odysseus, who was disguised as a beggar, stood up to give Telemachus his chair, Telemachus replied by saying, “friend, sit down, we’ll find another chair” (VIII: 979). This shows Telemachus’ great self-discipline

One of the first things he sees upon returning is his old dog, which is now at least twenty years old, that has now been completely abandoned and disregarded. However, when the dog, lying on a mound of manure and having nearly no strength, hears Odysseus, it was incredibly happy, and wagged its tail to obey its master, but could not approach Odysseus. The sight of the weak, discarded dog that could have been a fantastic animal brought tears to Odysseus’ eyes. Odysseus and the swineherd left, and Argos, the dog, after finally seeing his master, closes his eyes and allows death to conquer