Eng2800: Mapping the Ancient World

An important and over powering theme that stood out to me at the beginning of The Odyssey was maturation, or becoming of age. Young Telemachus was only an infant when his father Odysseus left for The Trojan War. Telemachus grew up only under the guidance and supervision of his mother and nurse. The goddess Athene appears to Telemachus and tells him that it is worth journeying out to find out what happened to his father. Athene gives Telemachus the push he needs to “man up” and take control over his father’s land, possessions, and most importantly his mother. The Odyssey is of course about Odysseus’ journey home, but the first three books reveal that the story will also tell of Telemachus’ journey to manhood. On page 34 Athene tells Telemachus  “you should not go on clinging to your childhood….you are no longer of an age to do that”. This gives Telemachus the courage to stand up to the suitors and declare on page 36, “For mine is the power in this household”. I believe this quote is foreshadowing Telemachus’ great revelation and entrance into his adulthood.

The introduction to Penelope’s character has been the most influential part of Books 1-2 to me. Our first image of Penelope on page 35 is her “descending the high staircase” in an elegant manner. It is evident that she is someone of importance and great fortune as she has “handmaidens” who are available at her expense. However, her role as a strong mother is quickly stripped as her son Telemachos, instructs her to return to her room as the “men must see to discussion”. Although Penelope has bore and raised him, it is because he is a man that he is able to instruct her to do things and that he is able to decide her fate as a woman. It is interesting that the men of this community have swarmed to her house to replace her “late husband” and the matter of her being married is so important. As seen on page 34 the issue of what is to become of his mother, as his father is absent, whether she is to marry or simply wait for the arrival of her missing husband is the main topic of concern. I think it is interesting to focus on the gender roles in this story and challenge if they would be valid in the society of today.

-Ayannah Woods