Telemachus and Odysseus: Like Father Like Son

Fathers are the vast ocean which teach their children tolerance; Fathers are the most formidable mountains which encourage their children to be strong; Fathers are the warmest glow which give their children hope. A father’s position in their children’s life is most significant. Most children regard their fathers as role models. Sons and daughters constantly pursue their fathers’ shadow, hoping one day to surpass it. The idea of questing for fathers is also reflected in the book, The Odyssey, which is an epic poem written by Homer.

In the story, Telemachus’ constant quest of his father, Odysseus, causes him to grow into a real man. Telemachus has not seen his father since he was born. He must be extremely grieved because when his peers are loved by their parents, he can only imagine his father and the family reunion he keeps in mind. This sadness is not only his heart of the pain, but also the despair of which he can not know his father’s love in person and is unaware of the true meaning of a father.

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In the process of searching, Telemachus acquires countless qualities so that he becomes more and more like the positive aspects of his father beginning with his first journey in Pylos, and ending with fighting alongside his father back home in Ithaca.

Telemachus decides to go to sea in search of his father under the guidance of the goddess, Athena, after decades of missing his father and being tortured by his mother’s suitors who have been nibbling away at his father’s wealth and possessions.

As Telemachus arrives at his first destination, Pylos, he has a conversation with the King, Nestor. During the conversation, Nestor expresses great surprise and marvels at the resemblance between Telemachus and Odysseus. “That man was always best at every kind of trick. And seeing you, I am amazed at how you talk like him” (3.123-125). Telemachus’ likeness to his father is more than just manners; he has also inherited some of his father’s noble qualities. Two of Odysseus’ best advantages are unmatched leadership and a fearlessness which reflect in leading countless crews and in battling monsters. At the same time, Telemachus proves his courage by daring to explore unknown worlds, and the fact that he takes his fleet of dozens of men out to sea and reaches his destination. These acts display his excellent leadership and fearlessness. Telemachus’ growth begins the moment he decides to go out and seek his father. His determination to go to sea helps him to inherit outstanding leadership and bravery like his father, Odysseus. Telemachus will continue to grow up to be a real man after more trials and tribulations, and he will fight as intelligently and bravely as his father even though he has not seen him since the day he was born.

From visiting Pylos and Sparta, Telemachus continues to experience the difficulties which cause him to develop his character as he journeys through the bitterness of the outside world. When Telemachus finally returns to Ithaca, he meets his own father, Odysseus, through the goatherd’s surprising announcement. After the happy reunion, he fights alongside Odysseus to kill those annoying suitors. Following the fight, his mother, Penelope, wrestles with the true identity of Odysseus to understand if it is truly him. Telemachus says that if his father needs him, he would help him without hesitation. “Telemachus said warily, “ … no mortal man can rival you in cleverness. Lead me, and I will be behind you right away. And I will do my best to be as brave as I can be””. Telemachus expresses his absolute loyalty to his father and bravery through the quote. Simultaneously, he is very clever and cautious by praising Odysseus for his wisdom and letting his father deal with the complex problems, such as the true identity of Odysseus.

Telemachus clearly understands his father’s strength and his place in the family, so he knows he should not get too involved in the problems between his parents. At this moment, Telemachus inherits parts of his father’s intelligence who is described as “no one dared to equal him in cleverness”. On the other hand, Telemachus also indicates his inspiration from his father by showing his determination to follow Odysseus as a support. This worship of the father reminds me of the imitation of my father when I was a child. My father’s success in the business world was a dream to me. His successful figure stuck in my mind. As a result, I tried to recreate in my inner world the way he worked and talked whenever I had a moment. Over time, I began to look and act more like my father. Two years ago, a friend of my mother met me and expressed that I was my father in a smaller size. The desire for fathers is magical and strong because all fathers are role models for their children. Finally, the process of Telemachus' quest for his father in the spiritual world will allow him to learn more excellent qualities and become a wise king in Ithaca after his father, Odysseus.

Fathers are trees and the walls, so that their children can rely on; Fathers are the frame and the sun, allowing their children to get warm; Fathers are lighthouses and the lamps which can illuminate their children in front of the confusion. Telemachus’ quest for his father is crucial in his life because it helps him grow both physically and spiritually which will transform him to a true man and lead him to success in life.