"How do Books 1-4 of the Odyssey prepare us for the introduction of the hero Odysseus in Book 5?"

The first 200 words of this essay...

Unit 1 Topic 4

Assignment 1

"How do Books 1-4 of the Odyssey prepare us for the introduction of the hero Odysseus in Book 5?"

Books 1-4 of the Odyssey (the Telemachy) contain much information on the character and reputation of Odysseus given in the opinions of the other characters, as well as setting out the situation in Ithaka, and the problems that Odysseus will face on his return. There remains, however, the possibility that the Odyssey as we know it is actually two poems: one of the Nostoi specifically relating to Odysseus, and another centring on his son, Telemachos, the two being joined at the start of Book 5.

The reader actually knows quite a lot about Odysseus before he finally appears in person in Book 5 , thanks to the reminiscences of the ohter characters. This makes his first appearance, "breaking his heart in tears, lamentation and sorrow", on the beach of Kalypso's island, all the more surprising. Quite a pathetic image, rather than the glorious hero we had been expecting. The Books of the Telemachy also help to establish Odysseus as the one person who, due to all the excellent