Summary Of Telemachus's Speech In Book One of 'Odyssey'

Can determination and strong-will deter the disorder that has destroyed the goodness of this household? In Book One of the Odyssey, we are introduced to Telemachus, Penelope, and the suitors. This passage highlights the struggles experienced by Telemachus and Penelope in the absence of Odysseus. The main point of Telemachus’ speech is to convey his confidence and to show compassion toward his mother’s pain. He wishes to restore order and goodness to his household by removing the suitors.

The passage is divided into five parts. Each part constitutes either a transition of narration or the tense in which the speaker is speaking. The first section is part of the transition from the previous scene where Penelope exits the room. The second and third are encompassed in Telemachus’ speech where he refers to the actions of the suitors and the potential consequences of

The fourth section serves as an evaluation of the mood in the room. The last section is Antinoös’, leader of the suitors, response to Telemachus’ speech.

We begin with the transition of attention from Penelope to the suitors. The suitors’ behavior, the previous scene with Penelope, and the influence of Athena inspired Telemachus’ speech. In the previous scene he has just witnessed his mother’s pain as a reaction to listening to a song that reminded her of her husband, Telemachus’ father, who has yet to return from the Trojan War. Out of compassion for his mother (and with the help of Athena) Telemachus seeks to get rid of the suitors that are trying to court his mother because not only they are a daily reminder that Odysseus has not returned, they are also a present danger. His “serious words” support the idea that he is trying to take control as the man of the house (v. 361). In the previous passage the narrator refers to Penelope’s “[amazement]” after Telemachus