Analysis of Homer's Odyssey

498 Words2 Pages
Write a critical analysis in no more than 500 words on the passage from Homer’s Odyssey. Homer, Odyssey 3.201-24 (Lattimore, pp56-7: ‘Then the thoughtful Telemachos ... then some of those people might well forget about marrying’). This passage comes halfway through Book 3 from a long conversation between Telemachos and Nestor, the first contact Telemachos has with someone who actually knows his father. It is a speech of two parts with only two lines of narrative introducing both speakers, one from each character of which Telemachos is a short interjection into the grand story telling of Nestor. The conversation itself is depressing even mournful where both speakers despairing over past, current and future events. Throughout the text there are no actions taken such eating, drinking or praying to the gods given it a stark, lonely effect given the fact that there is feasting elsewhere in the palace of Nestor. Describing Telemachos as ‘thoughtful’ (203) suggests that he is has to consider his actions and words in front of a king, giving Nestor a grandiose title. Whereas Nestor only described as a ‘horseman’ (210) is far more informal seeing Telemachos as an equal. The two distinct parts of this passage is that Telemachos starts the conversation but only has 8 lines to make his point while Nestor manages 14 lines of response. Showing the younger man aims to make a point, attempting to be dynamic and desperate for action while the older one is happy to ramble without care as he is comfortable in his own home. This mirrors the plight of Odysseus, the struggle to end his torment while those sitting in his palace enjoy themselves without guilt. Revenge is the main stay of conversation starting with an ending remark to the previous passage of Agamennon’s murderer. Telemachos refers to himself as both victim and avenger but relates the tragedy of his

More about Analysis of Homer's Odyssey

Open Document