The Odyssey: Discussion Questions

The first four books of the Odyssey focus on Telemachus’ personal journey from boy to man, and by the end of the poem Telemachus is fighting bravely at his father’s side. In what specific ways does Telemachus change and mature during the course of the poem?

The first four books, often referred to as Telemachia, focus on Telemachus’ journey toward manhood. It is only after undertaking this journey that Telemachus becomes equipped to fight alongside Odysseus in the final book.

Telemachus first asserts his authority in Book 2 when he organizes an assembly. His speech is appealing and emotionally charged. In Books 3 and 4, he embarks on a literal voyage to seek information about his father. It is through this voyage that Telemachus gains great maturity, with Athena carefully guiding and mentoring him. Although mostly kind and encouraging, Athena is also harsh when needed. When Telemachus hesitates to approach King Nestor, Athena admonishes him thusly: “Telemachus, no more shyness, this is not the time!” If Telemachus is to step into manhood, he can no longer afford to be shy or complain.

King Nestor and King Menelaus are both very impressed with the young prince, which indicates that Telemachus is becoming confident and capable of carrying forward his father’s legacy.

Toward the end of the poem, in the last book, Telemachus helps Odysseus plan and execute the battle against the suitors. The epic, therefore, is not just about Odysseus’ journey back home but also about Telemachus’ journey toward adulthood.

Both Circe and Calypso are goddesses who fall in love with Odysseus, yet the two are very different. How do the characters and actions of Circe and Calypso differ?

The two goddesses who fall in love with Odysseus are similar in that they are both beautiful and enchanting. However, their motives behind interacting with Odysseus differ greatly. After Odysseus initially conquers Circe, she does everything she can to help him. She reverses the spell that had turned his men into swine and becomes an excellent hostess, even helping the Greeks with supplies and advice.

Calypso, on the other hand, is a dominating goddess who holds Odysseus captive for seven years in the hopes of marrying him. Eventually when Odysseus is liberated by Hermes under orders from Zeus, Calypso offers him immortality if only he’d choose to stay. When he declines, Calypso tries to convince Odysseus that letting him go was her idea after all.

Examine the concept of hospitality throughout the Odyssey.

Like all epic poems, the Odyssey is a cultural document that embodies the values of the society that created it. Hospitality was one of the most important virtues of the Homeric world. The true upholders of good hospitality in the Odyssey are the Phaeacians, who host Odysseus when he washes ashore near their town. Another instance of hospitality is when Nausicaa finds Odysseus on the shores of Scherie. Even though Odysseus was a stranger, Nausicaa felt obligated to help him; she offered him food and drink. Her parents, King Alcinous and Queen Arete, are equally hospitable. Before asking Odysseus’s name, they provide him food, entertainment, and lodging.

Circe is of great help after Odysseus conquers her, and so were the Lotus-eaters. On the other hand, the Sirens and Cyclops make no attempt toward hospitality. In fact, Polyphemus scoffs at the concept and the gods that support it.

A character’s civility and disposition are judged by the hospitality they display.

Does Odysseus undergo a transformation in the poem? Support your answer with examples.

Unlike Achilles, Odysseus’s character is complicated. He lives by his wiles as well as his courage. He is an intellectual who demonstrates his logic while making decisions. When necessary, Odysseus lies or steals, something not expected of an epic hero.

Odysseus’ journey back home is full of battles and tests, and each challenge paves the way for his transformation. His wanderings make him grow as a leader and character: he becomes humble, patient, and prudent.

His disguise as a beggar makes him humble; it also enriches his capacity to distinguish between loyalists and traitors. Even when the suitors hurl insults at him, he does not let his anger control him. He does not react; rather, he lets the anger build inside him and acts only as per the plan he’d etched with Telemachus. The self-control exhibited in this instance is in contrast with his earlier irresistible urge to announce his name to the Cyclops.

The struggles Odysseus faces make his growth as a character more realistic.

Consider the following as symbols—Odysseus’ great bow and the marriage bed—and explain their significance in the story.

The Odyssey is rich with symbols and imagery, all of which are significant to the plot. Odysseus’ great bow and the marriage bed are two important symbols in the poem. The bow symbolizes the physical superiority of the king, an important quality for all heroes. The bow also symbolizes the king’s maturity and possibly his overall character, too. The suitors are unable to string the bow, thus illustrating their inability to lead Ithaca. Telemachus was close enough to stringing the bow on his fourth attempt, showing that he was ready to take his father’s legacy forward.

The marriage bed of Penelope and Odysseus is carved from a rooted olive tree and cannot be moved. It symbolizes the stability and strength of their marriage. It can also be seen to represent unwavering loyalty and fidelity, another important theme in the poem.