The Role Of Telemachus In Homer's Odyssey

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An epic poem about a man of twists and turns discovers the value of patience. Odysseus, the greatest hero in Ithaca and known for his muscle and bravery finds himself far from home for two decades. His son, Telemachus, a curious boy seeking to find his father, starts his journey across the seas of Greece. In The Odyssey, by Homer, the reader can ponder two outcomes of the poem, based on gender roles. In Ithaca, where Telemachus lives, there are precise gender roles; relevant to our lives today. The poem would change significantly if Telemachus were a girl because of the unfair gender beliefs in Kingdom of Ithaca; viewing people differently for their gender and talking to men and women differently. Viewing people differently for their gender causes unjust thoughts …show more content…

Telemachus is seeking advice to a crucial decision,“Dear god, hear me! Yesterday you came to my house, / you told me to ship out on the misty sea and learn / if father, gone so long, is ever coming home” (2.2975-97). He wants to know if he should leave on a dangerous journey to find his father. Athena, Zeus’s daughter, disguises herself when talking to Telemachus so he does not recognize her as a goddess; she has to disguise herself as Mentor, one of Odysseus good friends. She imagines an easier way to communicate; man to man rather than woman to man. Telemachus would believe a man’s word more and act on the advice because he is a man. Telemachus has a tendency to act babyish and needs a man's demanding words. Athena is still disguised as Mentor and speaks to him in a direct and non-emotional way, “Telemachus!” / Pallas Athena broke in sharply, her eyes afire- / ‘What's this nonsense slipping through your teeth?’” (3.260-63). If Telemachus were a girl, then Athena would approach her as a girl; the conversations and relationships would change. Athena may act softer in her approach and try to appeal to emotions

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