Monday, November 2, 2015
Father and Son Meet At Last!
It has taken 20 years and 16 chapters, but Odysseus and Telemachus have finally been reunited. Did you notice anything about the way Book 15 was structured or details included in Book 15 that are intended to build tension, foreshadow future events, etc.? When father and son finally do reunite, how would you describe their reunion? What elements of their relationship are emphasized? Is the reunion what you expected? Please be sure to refer to specific moments from either Book 15 or 16 in your response. You may either quote specific lines or paraphrase particular scenes.
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I feel like Book 15 did a lot of switching between Odysseus and Telemachus, because it built up the suspense of Telemachus making it home. He made it home way easier than I thought, and their reunion came so much faster than expected. Also, in book 15 it was ironic how no one thinks Odysseus will return, but the "beggar" is telling them else wise. The reunion of Father and Son was not really what I expected. Odysseus was talking to Telemachus like he didn't know who he is but that might be just how they talk. Telemachus does not believe him and says "Your not my father!"
ReplyDeleteOdysseus reveals that he has been working with Athena, because Telemachus didn't believe if he wasn't a god, then how he went from old to younger. The reunion intensity was not what I expected, but the things said I expected very much. The biggest problem I have with it is that how does Telemachus want to make a plan for the suitors an hour after he meets his dad. He's been grieving for 20+ years, and now that he is here, he's going to risk him dying to the suitors. I really like how they worked together to make a plan too, because I can see some bonding that goes into that. I see Telemachus trying to be brave, and impress his father too. He tells him how he is strong now, and has beaten people in fights. I feel like he just wants to be like his father, which is what anyone would do, if there father was a hero.
ReplyDeleteThere was one event in Book 15 in particular that stood out to me to foreshadow the meeting of Odysseus and Telemachus. Towards the end of the chapter, an omen from the gods came in the form of a hawk flying past with a dying dove in its grip. The prophet that Telemachus took with him, Theoclymenus, interpreted it as the following: "...I knew it was a sign. No line more kingly than yours in all of Ithaca - yours will reign forever!" (page 336). I found it interesting that he mentions Telemachus's line (his family), not only the prince himself, which signaled to me that perhaps not only Telemachus, but Odysseus alongside him, would triumph over the suitors and remain in the royal seat. In Book 16, when Odysseus finally reveals himself to Telemachus, at first the prince is in disbelief that the stranger at the swineherd's house was really his father. This makes sense because all his life, Telemachus doubted whether Odysseus was even his father, as well as if he was still alive because he had essentially disappeared even though everyone else who survived the Trojan War had already returned. His rejection of this truth is evident on page 344: "No, you're not Odysseus! Not my father! Just some spirit spellbinding me now - to make me ache with sorrow all the more." But when Odysseus finally managed to convince Telemachus that he was his father, the joy of finding each other is emphasized through their tears. The book goes as far as describe their crying with such detail as this on page 345: "...as the deep desire for tears welled up in both. They cried out, shrilling cries, pulsing sharper than birds of prey ... when farmers plunder their nest of young too young to fly. Both men so filled with compassion, eyes streaming tears, that now the sunlight would have set upon their cries..." After I read this and thought about what Odysseus's and Telemachus's feelings were before, their reactions did make sense; Odysseus yearned to return home to his son (who, although still a baby when he left, was still the king's own flesh and blood) as well as Penelope, and Telemachus spent twenty long years without the guidance and love of a father, who had finally returned to him.
In book 15, Odysseus spent a long time talking with Eumaeus, the swineherd. Eumaeus explained to Odysseus in disguise how he came to work for Penelope, how he was treated by her and Odysseus' parents, and his relationship now. They also spoke about Telemachus and how no one believed that Odysseus would ever return home. Euameus also warns Odysseus of the horrid suitors that have taken up residence in Penelope's palace. I think this conversation was a bit of insight into where the next books are going to take him. Just like the plan they hatched later in book 16, I think Telemachus WILL come together to kill the suitors and prevail. In book 15, there was some other bits of foreshadowing of what was to come. Beginning on line 179, there is a paragraph describing a dark and powerful omen that involved an eagle swooped down from above (this is while Telemachus and Pisistratus are still with Menelaus and Helen) and snatching a goose. Helen then tells them that she will be there prophet and that Odysseus will "descend on his house and take revenge-- unless he's home already, sowing seeds of ruin for that whole crowd of suitors." This gives a direct line of sight into what is bound to happen in book 16. Now that Telemachus knows that Odysseus lives and is in Ithaca, the father and son are certainly going to be reunited. When they do reunite, it's not the reunion I had expected. I expected Telemachus to, despite his tribulations and efforts in trying to find Odysseus, still be sour towards his father who has been absent all of his life. I thought Telemachus would have been pressing Odysseus for information, demanding why he had been gone so long, looking for answers. Instead, when Odysseus returned to the Swineherd's hut without his disguise, the father and son embrace in a deep hug and weep together, so happy to have been reunited. They then begin to plot the death of the suitors together. Personally, If I had been reunited with an estranged family member that I hadn't seen for twenty years, I don't think I'd be as eager to wrap them up in a hug, and even if I did, I certainly wouldn't jump so quickly to plotting a mass murder, but times certainly were different in "The Odyssey."
ReplyDeleteWhen Odysseus had first seen his son, after many years he was not able to reveal himself as Odysseus because his appearance was still changed by Athena, and he was old and scruffy looking. While Telemachus was talking to the swineherd he brought up the suitors and how strong and terrible they are. I was not surprised that Odysseus stepped in, even though his son still did not know it was him, because it must have been hard for Odysseus to imagine the terrible suitors bothering his wife and son. Odysseus tells Telemachus that he has to do something about the suitors. Before this, Odysseus sees the relationship between the Eumaeus and Telemachus. In line 30 Eumaeus is talking to Telemachus like he is his son, and he seems to be some type of father figure to Telemachus. I feel like this emphasizes to Odysseus of how much his son really needed a father, and how that could have been him. When Odysseus and Telemachus finally meet I was not surprised that it was very emotional, and there was a lot of crying going on, however something that really caught my attention was the way that Odysseus was speaking. Odysseus was speaking so smoothly, and the things he said sounded so god like, especially the way he introduced himself to his son on line 210. Of course Telemachus wanted to hear his fathers great story right away, it had been so long. But they didn't talk about Odysseus for too long, and started planning against the suitors which is somewhat surprising. Yes I knew they would do that, but I thought that they may talk about good things for a little longer, but it is clear that they really both want and need to do something about the suitors because they seem to be a huge threat.
ReplyDelete-Isabella Deluca
In book 15, there had been two bird signs foreshadowing Odysseus return and revenge on the suitors. First come "an eagle clutching a.huge white goose in its talons, plucked from the household yards" while Telemachus was in Sparta. Helen had annouced the similarity of the sign and Odysseus, "just as the eagle swooped down from the crags, where it was born and bred (Odysseus was home), just as it snatched that goose fattened up for the kill inside the house (win back his fortune from the suitors)". The second sign was spelled out by the prophet when Telemachus was home and heading to the swinherd place. "A hawk, Apollos
ReplyDelete'S wind swift herald -tight in his claws a struggling dove, and he ripped its feathers out and they drifted down to the earth between the ship and the young prince himself". This was yet another sign shows the symbol of strength of kings, fortold the victory of royalty over the suitors (in this case represent both Telemachus and Odysseus). The tension was built up throughout book 15, from the moment Athena advised Telemachus to come to the swinherd place, we know there would be an unexpected meeting between father and son. Then when the signs were read, Telemachus expressed his doubtness in the signs, refuse to believe his father would be home anytime soon. And the reunion was decribed in book 16, satisfied the readers with touching and surprising elements. When the swinherd left for notifying Penelope, there were only father and son in the room. We knew the reunion is finally here. The appearance of Odysseus, from the costume of a beggar really freaked Telemachus out. He thought Odysseus was a god. But then when everything was explained clearly, the hugged and cried for the faraway days. I really did not expected Odysseus magic transformation but their feelings for each other "Odysseyus sat down again, and Telemachus threw his arms around his father, sobbing uncontrollably as the deep desire for tears welled up in both. They cried out, shrilling tears pulsing sharper than birds and prey" had always been waited with high expectations and I must say, Homer did not fail the readers.
Before Telemachus and Odysseus reunite in book sixteen, book fifteen spends its time switching between their two different points of view as a way to connect us with both characters at once as well as to create suspense. Even once the two of them meet in book sixteen, more suspense is created because Telemachus doesnt know that the raggedy beggar man in the swineherd's house is his father, which most of the chapter leaves us itching for it to be revealed. However, once Athena changes Odysseus back, Telemachus reacts with shock and fear. Telemachus says, "'...surely you are some god who rules the vaulting skies! Oh be kind, and we will give you offerings, gifts of hammered gold to warm your heart- spare us, please, I beg you!'" (Page 344, line 207-210) Telemachus is constantly being compared to his father (in good ways, but he's still being compared) and his father's absence in his life has led him to having endured one hardship after the other (Penelope's grief, the suitors trying to marry his mother, the suitors trying to kill him, the suitors plotting to steal his kingdom). Odysseus, even throughout his absence, has been a dangerous force that Telemachus has had to navigate and endure to survive. So much has happened to Telemachus as a result of Odysseus' absence or influence, that Odysseus might as well be the god his son mistakes him for.
ReplyDelete-Eilidh
I was very surprised at how Telemachus first encountered his father. I definitely did not expect him to think that Odysseus was “some god who rules the vaulting skies”.(16-205) I think that his reaction is very interesting as it has been said that they look alike, and it may show that Telemachus finds himself very good looking. The relevance of this is that it shows that both Telemachus and Odysseus are portrayed as rather narcissistic. After first meeting him, Telemachus doubts that Odysseus is truly his father. I think that his doubt was fueled primarily by the shock of seeing his father, but was an interesting reaction nonetheless. I feel that this also could have been because he is not a trust worthy person after living with the suitors for so long. In book 15, I was not sure what role Theoclymenus would play, but I am in a way worried as he admitted to “killing a man of my own tribe”(15-303). I found it very strange that after he said that he had killed a man, Telemachus offered to bring him home with him. I also thought it was interesting in book 15 how the perspectives switched quite often between Odysseus and Telemachus. I think this may have been done to emphasize how close they are to meeting each other.
ReplyDeleteIn book 15, Telemachus is sailing to get home. In a few parts of the book there is foreshadowing for future events that deal with Odysseus arriving to Ithaca and handle the suitors. For example in lines 190-200 Helen tells Telemachus what is going to happen. As he prepares to sail home he is asked who he is and what his story was, by Theoclymenus. This once again is like Odysseus’ stories. He tells him almost everything that has happened in his very long journey. Through book 15 I think that there was a lot of tension building for the arrival of the great Telemachus and his triumph, but on the other hand Telemachus had given up on the notion that Odysseus was ever going to come back. He is sure that he has died a “wretched death” as mentioned in line 299. In line 300 he is pretty much given up on the fact that his father is still alive and well he says ” Yet here I’ve come with my crew and black ship out for news of my father, lost and gone so long”. This signifies Telemachus’ hopelessness to ever see his father again. Finally in book 16 when they meet I found it a bit predictable, when they meet Odysseus is clean and back to his old appearance with the help of Athena. He later is then instructed by Athena lines 188-200 to finally reveal himself. When Telemachus ask Odysseus who he is he tells him and of course Telemachus is in disbelief as specified in line 220. I think that Telemachus finally got around believing it. There were a lot of similarities between them and they were determined to fight off the suitors and reclaim their power.
ReplyDeleteThere is foreshadowing in book 15, when "an eagle clutching a huge white goose in the talons." It is foreshadowing that Odysseus avenge the suitors. Before Odysseus reveals his identity to Telemachus, he is disguised as a poor beggar. Now that Telemachus has to stay with Eumaeus, Odysseus had to find a place to stay. Eu ears suggests that Odysseus goes to the palace but Telemachus doesn't want him there because the suitors might hurt him. There is some foreshadowing when Odysseus says on page 341, "then let some foreigner lop my head off if I failed to march right into Odysseus' halls and kill them all... I'd rather die, cut down in my own house than have to look at their outrage day by day." When Odyssues and Telemachus are alone, Odyssues reveals his true identity because Athena told him to devise a plan with Telemachus against the suitors. Athena makes Odysseus handsome again. When Telemachus turns around and sees handsome Odysseus, he is confused and thinks that Odysseus is a god and will give offerings to him. Odysseus tells him that he his father, and hugs him and cries. However, Telemachus pushes him away thinking it is some trick. Telemachus doesn't think that Odysseus is Odysseus because it is "impossible for a mortal to work such marvels, not with his own devices, not unless some God comes down in person."(pg344) I think it was very clever of Telemachus to think it was a trick, it makes him seem clever like his father. Odysseus explains that it was all Athena's doing. Telemachus embraces his father and they cry for quite a while. The reunion of Telemachus and Odysseus was very emotional.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting thing about Book 15 was the switch from Telemachus’ story to Odysseus’. Most of the book has been structured, in terms of setting, simply within the chapter. While much of the book is, in fact, Odysseus telling the story of his journey to the Phaeacians, his movement within each chapter is mostly linear; he travels from place to place, clearly outlining where he is each time. Similarly, in the beginning of the story (before Odysseus is even introduced as a character), Telemachus follows the same pattern. In Book 15, however, Homer switches from Odysseus’ to Telemachus’ stories within the chapter. Since the objectives of both characters have been to reunite with each other for the entire book, Homer builds up excitement and anticipation due to Telemachus’ and Odysseus’ physical proximity by telling their stories so close to one another. To further enforce the idea of Telemachus and Odysseus finally meeting after 20 years, there is an omen: “At his last words a bird flew past on the right, an eagle clutching a huge white goose in its talons, plucked from the household yards.” (p.324) Helen steps in and explains that “Odysseus will descend on his house and take revenge…” (p.325) It sets a tone of optimism in the story, and it gives the reader a sense of relief that the two are almost reunited. Skipping ahead to their reunion in Book 16; I found it to be very close to what I had expected. We’ve seen, in other books, that crying is not shameful. Their relationship as father and son was shown in the first few moments of their reunion, and their relationship as king and heir was dominant once they began conspiring. The tears that Odysseus and Telemachus shed were anticipated. Even though they displayed emotion, it had to be resolved quickly due to other pressing matters; the suitors. I wasn’t surprised that their happiness was cut short by planning. It was necessary for the future of Odysseus’ reign and both of their lives that the suitors be dealt with immediately and finally.
ReplyDeleteIn book 15, before the scene switches back to Odysseus and Eumaeus, around line 332, it left me dangling from a cliff of suspense. "And then Telemachus veered for the Jagged Islands, wondering all the way-would he sweep clear of death or be cut down?" Then, like I mentioned before, the scene jumps back to his destination, Ithaca, where Odysseus and the swine herd are talking. Eventually Odysseus manages to get Eumaeus's back story from him. And then book 15 ends with Telemachus running to ten swineherd who, on Line 622 is stated as, "always the man to serve his masters well". This reflects how hospitable he is with Odysseus when he doesn't know it is really him. Skipping ahead, to the reunion of father and son, it was kind of similar to how I may have pictured it. Athena, starting to get impatient, urges Odysseus to reveal himself and all his knowledge and secrets and let nothing get held back. She also wants them to plot the suitors doom and before he could meet his son, Athena felt the need to spruce him up a bit. Telemachus, at first glimpse, noticing how his father has changed his appearance and automatically assumes that he is a god. This was Homer trying to get his point across that Odysseus could easily be compared to a deathless god. Odysseus finally reveals his Identity and of course, Telemachus was not convinced and thought this was a trick to make him suffer more than he already has. Then Odysseus, apparently a wizard with words, explains to Telemachus how his appearance changed and that "no other Odysseus will ever return to you" line 230. Telemachus finally gives in and believes him and of course like any Achean would do, he began to prompt him with a few questions. I was a little taken back when Odysseus actually told Telemachus a truthful story of his encounter and journey with the Phaecians. And now that they are reunited after so many years and books, it is about time to get rid of the suitors that have been plaguing the household since book 1. For the most of the rest of book 16, they plot their revenge against the suitors, though they make sure no one knows of Odysseus's return which emphasizes Odysseus's character because he often has he just revealed himself right away. It is more crucial at this moment though because it depends on his families lives.
ReplyDeleteBefore I read chapter sixteen, I had an unrealistic idea of what was going to happen when Telemachus and Odysseus were reunited. I thought that both would be sobbing and hugging each other and immediately bond as if they had been together for the last twenty years. However when I was reading and the reunion did not go exactly the way I had thought it would, I was surprised but I actually thought it was better and more realistic. “And with those words Odysseus kissed his son and the tears streamed down his cheeks…. But still not convinced it was his father, Telemachus broke out in disbelief, ‘No, You're not Odysseus! Not my father!’”(344). Telemachus continues the passage saying that he believes it's some spirt coming down to “ …make me ache with sorrow.”. My vision of what would happen was very unrealistic, why should Telemachus believe Odysseus. The only memory he has of his father was from twenty years ago as a baby. Not only that but he has probably lost hope of his father returning home after such a long period of time. Even Athena told him his father was dead “You know how the heart of a women works: she likes to build the wealth of her new groom- of the sons she bore , of her dear, departed husband.”( 320). Overall I happily surprised with the way things happened because for the most part in this book I have expected so,etching to happen and something even more crazy has happened where as in this instance I was the one who thought the unrealistic idea.
ReplyDeleteNicola
After 20 years, Odysseus and Telemachus have finally been reunited. Athena, the bright eyed goddess, helped the two reunite at the Swine-herd’s barn. Homer has included a number of tension and foreshadow to enhance the excitement of the book. When Telemachus and King Menelaus were talking about Odysseus, Telemachus’ long lost father, which was mentioned on page 324, sure “I wish I were just as I’d find Odysseus waiting there at home when I reach Ithaca…”. And Instantly, after Telemachus mentioned that, “At his last words a bird flew past on the right…”, this can be seen on page 324. An eagle is a symbol of Zeus, and we had a conversation about the symbolization of this earlier in class. When an eagle flies from the right, it usually signifies good luck. Another foreshadow was mentioned on page 336, when Telemachus says, “the prince of suitors… Zeus up there in his bright Olympus whether or not before that wedding day arrives he’ll bring the day of death on all their heads.” Again, an eagle flew past on the right after he finished his sentence. When Odysseus (in his true form) and Telemachus have finally reunited, Telemachus cried out tears of joy. -Pinn
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