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The Role Of Telemachus In Homer's Odyssey

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The Role Of Telemachus In Homer's Odyssey
The first four books, other wise known as the Telemachy, is able to prepare the readers for the story of Odysseus as it gives background information on the characters and foreshadows what is to come in the books ahead. Foreshadowing is prevalent throughout the epic and the journey's in it. In the case of Agamemnon, his life is ultimately ended in the hands of his wife and the suitor she had chosen. His son's revenge can foreshadow and parallel to what Telemachus and his journey may bring ahead. The story of Orestes (Agamemnon's son) and the vindication for his father, "Orestes killed the snake that killed his father. He gave his hateful mother and her soft man a tomb together, and proclaimed a festival day for all the Argive people." (44), brings to light the similarities between Telemachus and Orestes. …show more content…
Even …show more content…
When Telemachus meets Athena she exclaims how he looks remarkable similar to the hero she patronized, "You must be, by your looks, Odysseus' boy?" (8), through her description of their similarities readers are able to be introduced to Odysseus without even meeting him. The effect of comparing father to son brings a dramatic element that leaves readers awaiting for the reunion of the two. Elaborating on Athena's guidance to Odysseus, and eventually Telemachus, her help shows that the gods are reoccurring throughout the epic and in Greek
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