In Book II, Telemachos calls for a meeting. This shows his power over everyone, and his great strength. The resemblances that he holds of his father are first mentioned here. During this meeting he sets up a mission to find out if his father is alive. This chapter mentions a situation that Penelope is in. She promised the suitors that once she finished weaving a blanket that she would be ready to marry again. But every night she would go t her room and unravel the blanket so that she would not have to betray her husband. The suitors did not like this very much. This was a sign of her love, dedication, and faith that Odysseus was still alive. At the end of this chapter Telemachos sets out on his journey, not telling anyone in the household except one maid.
In Book III Telemachos goes to find out about his father’s death- if he indeed died. He is nervous but Athena once again is on his side protecting him and favoring the family. He talks to a man name Nester (the eldest of warriors). Before Nester speaks he tells Telemachos that he sound just like his father. “You’re father? Well, I must say I marvel at the sight of you: Your manner of speech couldn’t be more like his; one would say no: no boy could speak so well.” Then he tells the stories of soldiers and their struggles to get home from Troy – he parted ways with Odysseus after the end of the war, the one thing that they did not agree on during that entire period of war. He did not know what was happening with Odysseus but the stories of journeys and struggles give an illustration of what Odysseus will face was facing at the moment.
Book IV, Telemachos continues on his Journey to find his father. He goes to see Menelaos. Once again the similarities between Telemachos and Odysseus are metioned. This time in more detail. Menelaos talked physical attributes, especially Telemachos’s hands and feet looking like his father’s. Menelaos talked about Odysseus saying he was a great man and “cherished his above all others.” He mention how brave Odysseus was and how Odysseus “never parted till the dark mist of death over one us.” He was so loved that grief “rose up” in everyone when Menalaos insinuated that he probably didn’t come home because the gods were probably jealous of how great he was. Menalos talks about his journey – once more insight into what Odysseus may be facing. When Penelope finds out about her son leaving , she was without works, collapsed, and wept. When she finally could speak again she could not fathom why her son had left her.
At this point we learn how much she loved Odysseus and how heart broken she was that he left. This situation with Telemachose only brings these emotions forward in her mind. Athena comes to Penelope in a dream, still as someone else. Athena eases her pain. This is one last situation that shows Athena’s love toward Odysseus and his family. She comforts Penelope but does not give her an answer of whether or not her loved ones are alive, dead, or coming home. This is Athena’s way of not tampering with fate.
Odysseus seems like a smart, strong, loved person from all of these encounters with his family, loved ones, friends, and gods. I believe that is why he is not in the first few chapters. His introduction is long for a reason. He is the kind of person who needs a long introduction. The more we understand about him, the more we can appreciate his stories and his need to go home.
