Telemachus Emotions In The Odyssey

Emotion is a major part of the reunion between two people. The reunion between Telemachus and Odysseus in The Odyssey is the most emotional out of all because it is their first time meeting since Telemachus was a baby. At first neither Telemachus nor Odysseus recognize each other, and only do when they tell each other who they are. While Odysseus recognizes Telemachus first, he hides his emotion in order to maintain disguise. However, soon they both are revealed to each other and both express the overpowering joy they have to be united at last. The emotion that Telemachus and Odysseus have is overwhelming and strong, but ultimately the two easily reconnect, and through their emotion they have the courage to take down the suitors.

Odysseus is amazed when he sees his son for the first time in 20 years. It is in the hut of Eumaeus while Odysseus is in disguise dressed as a beggar. Although Odysseus doesn’t recognize whom Telemachus is when he first walks through the door, the swineherd immediately does and jumps to his feet to great him by saying, “You have come, Telemachus, sweet light!” (Bk XVI, 24). At first after realizing who he is, Odysseus hides any of the emotion he has to be back with his son. This is because he is still in disguise and does not want Emmaus to recognize him and because he is shocked to see Telemachus. He hides his emotion in order to get to know who Telemachus is from a stranger’s perspective. He remains calm and plays the part of a beggar as he offers his seat up to Telemachus and asks to be a guest in his house. Odysseus initially masks his joyous sense of satisfaction and gratitude for finding his son until Emmaus leaves, but after he soon reveals himself to Telemachus and reveals his true emotion for the reunion.
As soon as Emmaus leaves his hut, Odysseus removes his disguise, shows himself to Telemachus, and openly weeps in rejoice for uniting with his son.

It is stated, “he kissed his son and let his tears/fall to the ground. He had held them in until now” (Bk XVI, 202-203). Finally, at last after his 10 years fighting at war and 10 years trying to return home, Odysseus is reunited with family for the first time. The emotion Odysseus is feeling is overwhelming and strong as he realizes the mental and physical battle he went through was worth it. Telemachus has much of the same emotion as Odysseus. Although at first Telemachus does not believe that Odysseus is really Odysseus and its just spirit playing a trick on him, he quickly realizes his long lost father has finally returned. When he recognizes who his father is he, “threw his arms around his wonderful father/ and wept. And a longing arose in both of them/ to weep and lament, and their shrill cries/ crowded the air” (Bk XVI, 225-228). For Telemachus and Odysseus there is finally a joyful hiatus in all of the struggle and hardship that was going on and they relax in each other’s presence. They connect with each other like they’ve always known each other, and like they were never actually separated. The reunion between Telemachus and Odysseus is important because it is father and son reuniting together for the first time. They grow stronger together and united to take down the

suitors.
The reunion between Telemachus and Odysseus gives them spurt of strength and will power they need in order to take down the suitors. This is because they both realize that all the struggle and hardship they have gone through has been worth it, but in order to receive total peace they must get rid of the suitors. With the advice Athena gave Odysseus they plan to take out each and everyone of them. Their ability to plan and take down the suitors together shows how easy it was for the two of them to connect with each other. This is because of the love they both share through their connection as father and son. Together, as a united front, they have the courage to continue their struggle and fight for what is theirs.
The reunion between Odysseus and Telemachus is the most emotional and important. They are reunited as father and son for the first time since Telemachus was a baby. Both Telemachus and Odysseus spent countless efforts trying to find each other and when they do there is an overwhelming satisfaction and happiness among them as they reconnect effortlessly. Not only is their hope reaffirmed for each other but also so is their strength to fight and take back what is theirs.