The Odyssey1

Jason Paul Literature I Mr. Larkin April 20, 2000 "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 …

…the cave of Polyphemus symbolizes. He becomes more sheltered as Telemachus becomes more exposed by their reunion. Symbols, which each have a double meaning are used throughout The Odyssey to represent different facets of the characters of Odysseus and Telemachus. Each interpretation of the symbols exemplifies either Odysseus or Telemachus. As the two characters grow and develop, and the father-son reunion occurs, the two meanings converge into one, and Odysseus and Telemachus become more similar.