The Rites of Manhood in "The Odyssey"

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at why marriage and the rites of manhood are central reasons for the journey that Telemachus must undertake in search of his father, Odysseus, in "The Odyssey" by Homer. Telemachus is a young adult that desperately desires to see his father return, since his mother, Penelope, is under great pressure to remarry due to his 20-year absence. It examines Telemachus' journey into manhood to find his father, preventing his mother from remarrying and the loss of family honor.

From the Paper:

"The first appearance of Telemachus in The Odyssey relates directly to his defiance of the suitors that wish to marry is mother, Queen Penelope. He is a young man of around twenty years old, and has played a crucial part in the denial of the suitors' admission into his house. In this regard, Athena has already intervened with Telemachus, which has given him the courage to speak against the suitors. This provides a forum for Telemachus to stand up to the greedy and insolent men that only want to marry Penelope because of her power. Telemachus begins his passage into manhood by speaking to the suitors in Book I."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Homer. (2006). "The Odyssey." Online Literature.com. Retrieved 30 November, 2006 from http://www.online-literature.com/homer/odyssey/

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