Book IX page 425 line 595-598
“.. Better to speak the plain truth.
Tell me your name, the one you were known by
To your mother and father and your people back home.
No one is nameless, rich man or poor”
This is the passage when Alcinous, the king of Phaeacians, commands Odysseus to reveal his true self. After noticed Odysseus reminiscing several times over tales that remind him of painful stories in Troy, Alcinous is curious and determines to figure out this godlike hero’s identity. Very aware of Odysseus desperately wanting to go home, Alcinous uses “mother”, “father”, “your people” or “home” to either remind Odysseus of his ideals (marriage and family) and desire (to go home) so it triggers honesty and truthfulness, or to build an emotional connection so it seems easier for Odysseus to confess. Whatever the intention, it works since right after that Odysseus reveals his name and his long journey before arriving to Phaeacians land. Also, in order to clear his curiosity, Alcinous repeatedly use “your” to create a sense of familiarness and attack Odysseus’s memory of people and things that he holds dearly.
This passage reminds me of a scene in Book IV when Helen and Menelaus correctly guessed that Telemachus is indeed Odysseus’s son. There are some similarities between these two scenes: hosts are eager to figure out their identities; both Telemachus and Odysseus haven’t revealed their names until being provoked; both break down after being reminded of who they miss (for Telemachus is his father, for Odysseus is his people and home) and in the end finally expose themselves. By purposely putting Telemachus and Odysseus in though disparate yet similar situations that trigger similar reactions, I think the writer wants to emphasize the interesting bonds between the father and son. Although growing without his influence for 10 years, Telemachus still manages to share the same values of family and easy to be thrilled, just the same as his father.
To relate this passage with the bigger picture, memory once again plays a role in creating this similarity. Memory (or muse) has appeared in different forms throughout the Odyssey: narration, conversation or even sometimes a character. In this specific passage, memory acts as a catalyst and creates two parallel stories showing the extraordinary bond shared between Odysseus and Telemachus despite long-time disconnect. I personally think it’s a way of author to foreshadow future repetitions that he wants highlight and possibly guides the story toward that direction.
I agree with your analysis that memory is one of the biggest parts of this epic poem. The story of Odysseus takes a halt at Calypso’s island and he stays there for seven years when Athena eventually reminds Zeus that Odysseus is still there after all this time. He claims that he just forgot about him and eventually leads him to continue his lengthy journey back home. Also, Telemachus uses the memories of the people he speaks to to resurrect thoughts about his father and the idea that he is still alive. Without memories of someone, they might as well be dead.
From Jon K, who is having log-in problems: “I like how you brought the idea of memory into this. I think another interesting point is whether it is ok for a host to outright ask a guest who they are or where they are from, do you think it is disrespectful to do that before inviting someone in? I also liked how you related this passage to another part of the poem, I believe it is always good to identify other situations from the past to formulate an educated thought. Good Job!”
I enjoyed your passage analysis. I agree with your point of the father and son bond that is almost inevitable even though Odysseus was not in Telemachus life. But yet they still posses similar characteristics and qualities . The relationship between Odysseus and Telemachus is non existent but this internal relationship is very clear. It is strange though we never really hear of Odysseus saying he misses his son. I wonder why?
Hi Duc,
This is a thorough and very thoughtful response. You do an excellent job of thinking about the rhetorical significance of the speech’s specific phrasing, thinking in terms of the effect Alcinous hopes to have on his guest. This is a very interesting psychological reading of the passage. I wonder if you might think further about how formal the speech is. I think you’re right that it is designed to play on Odysseus’ emotions, yet it is extremely measured, ritualistic even. How do these aspects of it work together?
You do an excellent job relating your passage to other moments in the text, especially the interaction between Telemachus and Menelaus and Helen. Well-done. Your broadest assessment–that memory is crucial in all these scenes–is correct, but could be made stronger and more specific. We’ll talk about this kind of work in class, together.
Best,
Prof Kolb