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Significance of Location in "The Odyssey"

Uploaded by sls465 on Apr 18, 2007

Significance of Location in "The Odyssey"

The story of the Odyssey begins 20 years after Odysseus leaves his home, and his family. The setting is the family home in Ithaka, and our main character (at this point) is Telemachos, son of the great Odysseus.

By beginning the story at this time and location rather than focusing straight in on Odysseus' situation, the reader is given an "inside view" of Odysseus' home life, and from these first 4 books we are given much very valuable background information. One such piece of information is learning of the 100's of suitors that have inhabited the palace (of Odysseus) in his absence, and the feelings that Telemachos has about these men i.e. total powerlessness. He feels that he cannot do anything about all these strange men in his house, and this causes him great frustration, also he probably wants to be able to show his mother that he can protect her and resents the fact that he can't.

Another benefit of introducing the book with "The Telemachy" is that we see just how much Odysseus is needed back home, to rid his palace of the suitors and to reclaim his position in his household.

"How great your need is now of the absent Odysseus" (Athene)

"The Telemachy" creates a feeling of suspense as during these four books we do not even know where Odysseus is or whether he will ever come home.

The "closeness" we have to the events at the palace during this time, makes the issue of the suitors seem a lot more real and important than if we'd heard it from another source, we can feel Telemachos' impotence, and frustration at his lack of power at this time.

This part of the play also introduces us to all the key characters in Odysseus' life; such as his wife, Penelope (the object of the suitors' affection), and obviously his son, Telemachos. Also, Nestor, his son Peisistratos, Menelaos and Helen. These characters all, in their own ways, reveal a bit more about Odysseus to his son. The things we hear about Odysseus give us a bit of insight into his character, that we would not have gained had we launched straight into the story from Odysseus' point of view. We hear of Odysseus' cunning, clever nature and his flair for disguise, we...

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Uploaded by:   sls465

Date:   04/18/2007

Category:   The Odyssey

Length:   4 pages (939 words)

Views:   4170

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