Odysseus the Beggar

Poem Review # 113538

English > Analysis
Literature > Greek and Roman
Literature > Poetry

Odysseus the Beggar

An analysis of Odysseus' decision to become a beggar in order to establish his identity in "The Odyssey" by Homer.

1,792 words () | 4 sources | MLA | 2000 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the hero Odysseus in Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey" and looks at how the theme of the poem is about one man's search for identity and meaning in his life. The paper relates that throughout Odysseus' wanderings, his main purpose is to establish his name and reputation. What he discovers is that his identity is one that is rooted in suffering and pain.

From the Paper:

"For Odysseus to ensure his victory over the suitors, he must first reveal himself to Telemakhos and enlist his help; however, his son does not recognize him or believe in his identity right away. Because of the suffering Odysseus has endured, and the stories Agamemnon has told him of family disloyalty, he must first test the loyalty of his loved ones before he can reveal himself to them. Therefore, to reveal his true identity to Telemakhos, he must first disguise himself using a stranger's story. After Odysseus hears Telemakhos speaking of his loyalty to his father, Athena instructs him to reveal himself. Seeming younger and stronger because of Athena's magic, Odysseus confides his secret to his son. Telemakhos does not recognize him or believe his claim, telling him "You cannot / be my father Odysseus" (205-206). He calls him a "stranger" (193) and mistakes him for a god, begging his forgiveness and mercy on the kingdom. Odysseus soon convinces him that he is really his father and tells him about his wanderings and sufferings. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Clay, Jenny Strauss. "Odysseus: Name and Helmet." Modern Critical Interpretations: The Odyssey. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1988. 103-126.
Dimock, George E. "The Name of Odysseus." Essays on The Odyssey. Ed. Charles H. Taylor. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1963. 54-72.
Homer. "The Odyssey." The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Ed. Maynard Mack, et al. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1995. 219-504.
Mariani, Alice. "The Renaming of Odysseus." Critical Essays on Homer. Ed. Kenneth Atchity. Boston: G.K. Hall & Co., 1987. 211-222.