Telemachus-Odysseus Father Son Relationship

Like Father, Like Son: The Evolution Of A Family Tie Throughout the last few books of the Odyssey, Homer explains to the reader how Odysseus reestablishes his relationships with his family and friends of Ithaka. It’s possible the restoration of his relationship with his son, Telemachus, is the most significant event of all. This reconnection carries out three main purposes. First, it serves to characterize Telemachus' likeness to his father in the virtues of wisdom, humility, patience, and organization. Secondly, it enables Odysseus a chance to coach Telemachus on how to be a powerful ruler like he is. Lastly, Homer uses the reconnection to highlight the importance of a healthy family structure to a society. To be able to understand the impact this meeting had on Odysseus and Telemachus, it is essential to first look how Telemachus has matured since their last meeting when Telemachus was a newborn and Odysseus was a man (and how their relationship has changed from a man to child relationship to a man to man relationship). Their father-son relationship must be reestablished without any past history in a short amount of time, and they must complete/ “realize” Odysseus’ journey.
Of the abundant evidence of Telemachus' development, three are sufficient to render an accurate narration of what virtues he obtained or blossomed. The attained virtues expressed in the books are courage, wisdom, and prudence. An example of Telemachus’ courage is displayed when Telemachus decides to avoid Nestor's house rather than proceeding through it, Nevertheless Telemachus sails out to sea knowing that an ambush may await him. This wisdom is demonstrated in his knowledge that if he stops, Nestor's xenia will hinder him even more. And prudence is made obvious in Telemachus' adeptness to control his lust for tranquility in Nestor's house and his decision to cope with hardship at sea. Next, Telemachus' self assurance and xenia are expressed when he adopts Theoklymenos (the prophet).