Examples Of Masculinity In The Odyssey

Concepts of Masculinity in The Odyssey The Odyssey is an epoch poem composed by Homer that is based around the protagonist, Odysseus. He is on a journey to return home to his wife and son after the battle of Troy. Throughout his voyage, Odysseus encounters many obstacles on his way home. Odysseus’ son is named Telemachus. When Odysseus left for the Trojan War, Telemachus was only a child. Odysseus is gone for a total of 20 years. While his father is gone, Telemachus undergoes maturation and takes household power. He takes care of his mother and deals with the suitors constantly. Telemachus wants to prove himself to his father so he goes off on a journey to find him. Telemachus represents the ideals of masculinity in ancient Greece. Like all men, Telemachus wanted to prove himself as a man.
Masculinity was a typical attribute to have in ancient Greece. If you were masculine, you were looked up to. If a father of a son were masculine, he would want the same thing for his son. In the beginning of the poem, Telemachus is a stubborn young adolescent who aspires to be just like his father. It’s a hard task to grow up without your dad around because you have no one to teach or guide you. When Telemachus is talking to Eurymachus he says, “Eurymachus, clearly my father’s journey home is lost forever. I no longer trust in rumors-rumors from the blue-nor bother with any prophecy, when mother calls some wizard into the house to ask him questions.” (1: