Odysseus and Polyphemus in the Odyssey
Annabelle Cooper
Professor H.V. Emmitt
HUM 110
31 August 2016
Similar to observing the natural transformation of a caterpillar to a creature of beauty, one may observe Telemachus’ transformation from an apprehensive adolescent to an assertive and erudite adult in the first four books of Odyssey. Of course, Telemachus’ growth of character is spurred by a multitude of people and experiences. This growth occurs during his quest to successfully resolve the infuriating and seemingly degrading dilemma of his suitor-plagued home. While a wide array of characters constructively impact Telemachus’ discovery of inner sovereignty, interactions with Nestor and Menelaus best help Telemachus understand his position of inherent authority. Both Nestor and Menelaus greatly help Telemachus transition from childhood to adulthood.
When Telemachus arrives in Pylos he encounters Nestor’s people sacrificing bulls to the god Poseidon. This act displays the importance of honoring the gods to Nestor and his people. Being a hospitable and honorable man, Nestor immediately feeds and welcomes Telemachus and his men into his home. Despite this hospitality, Telemachus’ insecurities about his youth and inexperience loom over him. However, Telemachus puts aside his hesitancy in speaking with Nestor about Odysseus. His speech makes a good impression on the king, and Nestor implies that Telemachus’ words come from the cunning of his father (and not the gods.) Nestor then narrates the story of king Agamemnon’s murder upon returning home from Troy, and how his son Orestes avenged his death. This is a pivotal point of growth in the story for Telemachus. He realizes that he longs for Orestes’ strength; Telemachus hopes to avenge his father and the suitors’ transgressions against his family, as well. Nestor’s story helps Telemachus understand that he can be the force that drives the suitors away. Odysseus’ return is feasible, but Telemachus is currently the “man of the house,” and therefore responsibilities lie on him as well.
Menelaus impacts Telemachus’ transition to adulthood through his storytelling and recollection of time spent trapped on an island. In one particular story, Menelaus narrates his clever and cunning ambush of the “Old Man of the Sea.” This story illustrates Menelaus outsmarting a god for personal gain. The concept of being superior to a god in any form or fashion is dangerous. Another hero of Troy, Ajax, was drowned by Poseidon merely because he boasted about surviving the deep without aid from the gods. Menelaus realizes that while having the cunning of Odysseus is incredible, and indeed “god-like,” you cannot take credit for all of your intelligence. The gods still require honor and sacrifice for their contribution to your fate and good fortune. Telemachus learns that piety and respect must be shown to the gods. Power and modesty are two inevitably intertwined ideas that must be balanced. In addition to teaching an invaluable life lesson, Menelaus also reveals to Telemachus that Odysseus is trapped with Calypso, but still alive. While this is an exciting and phenomenal epiphany for Telemachus, his morale has progressed throughout the story; he realizes that he cannot rely solely on Odysseus to drive away the problems (the suitors, etc.) he may encounter in life. Telemachus is the son of Odysseus. He is not Odysseus, but he is no longer incompetent the way he was in Book 1.