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Symbolism Of The Odyssey - Papers Online

Symbolism Of The Odyssey

Throughout Homer’s The Odyssey, many tangible symbols are used to represent abstract ideas. Each symbol that Homer uses has two meanings. The double meanings of these symbols are used to represent Odysseus and Telemachus as they strive to meet each other. While each symbol has a meaning that represents the growth of Telemachus, each one also represents, by another meaning, the growth and development of Odysseus. When they meet for the first time, the symbols, and the character traits that they represent confluence, and the resemblance between Odysseus and Telemachus becomes complete.
One of the main ideas running throughout the Odyssey is the importance of water. It has the power of giving ...

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Odysseus speaks of water as an agent of death. Water that brings death by excess represents Odysseus, for he is the one that has to suffer all these years, and he is the one that nearly drowns. Odysseus also learns how too much of a good thing, such as wealth or gold, can seriously harm a man. He especially experiences this when he sacks Troy, and gets carried away, angering the gods. Henceforth, it is fitting that the excessive side of water represent Odysseus. Life that is brought by water, the water that satisfies souls is the type that represents Telemachus. He is not excessive, and has been in fact humbled by the suitors in their years there. Further, Telemachus has never seen any trouble with the water or the sea, "…sent a following wind through the clear sky to speed them from astern, so that their ship might most speedily complete their journey across the salt sea." The water never hurts Telemachus and always helps him. Telemachus does not get the chance, as his father ...

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Symbolism Of The Odyssey. (2005, October 19). Retrieved January 22, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Symbolism-Of-The-Odyssey/35121

"Symbolism Of The Odyssey." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 19 Oct. 2005. Web. 22 Jan. 2025. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Symbolism-Of-The-Odyssey/35121>

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 10/19/2005 12:01:20 PM
Category: English
Type: Free Paper
Words: 868
Pages: 4

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