World Lit Essays

World Literature Essays

1 . But you , the journey that stirs you now is not far off

Not with the likes of me , the friend of your father and yours

To rig you a swift ship and be your shipmate too (The Odyssey 223

This was the goddess Athena in the guise of the Mentor who was addressing Telemachus on his planned trip for Pylos and Sparta to inquire on the whereabouts of his father , Odysseus . At this point Telemachus is already a young man who yearned for his father 's return

br after the famous Trojan War . His home is occupied by suitors , whose ill-repute and rudeness have no equal in existing literature . The belief that Odysseus was already dead has given these suitors the courage to slaughter his livestock , camp at his home , bother his wife at every opportunity , and drink his wine . It was Athena herself who first suggested that Telemachus visit King Menelaus and Nestor who were with his father during the Trojan War

If was after talking before the Public Council that Pallas Athena promised a rigged ship and her company on his trip to Pylos and Sparta She added that Telemachus better prepare for provisions since the departure had to be made in secret . The next day , Telemachus and Mentor embarked for Pylos

2 . Die , die -

whoever he was that day in the wilds

who cut my ankles free of the ruthless pins

he pulled me clear of death , he saved my life

for this...