Lines 441-450
Many people claim that the ability to recognize patterns represents a large part of the partition between us, humans, and “other animals”. As critical thinkers we are rigorously trained to search for patterns. Repetition plays a key role in the formation of patterns; repetition denotes significance. The Odyssey communicates significance using numerous forms of repetition, and oftentimes the absence, or breaking of a pattern, carries just as much weight as the present repetition. In the lines 441-450 Telemachus and Pisistratus prepare for bed in Nestor’s palace.
The identification of Telemachus as Odysseus’ son, when contrasted with the characterization of Pisistratus as a prince and warrior, highlights the repeated insinuations of the continued boyhood of Telemachus. In this instance Telemachus possesses the epithet “King Odysseus’ son”. Epithets, by the nature of their repetition, lend identity to whatever they are attached to. Telemachus has no constant epithet of his own. The repeated absence of a constant epithet tells the reader of Telemachus’ lack of a mature identity, further compounded by this specific reminder that he has no claim to respect other than the identity of his father. Prince Pisistratus on the other hand, is identified as a prince and as “the young spearman, already captain of armies”. The stark comparison to Telemachus is clear, especially as Telemachus is also a prince but is not named as one. Pisistratus retains these epithets in lines 510 and 541, establishing a repeated pattern and communicating its significance.
The passage contains further significance, derived from repetition, apart from the parallel between Telemachus and Pisistratus. The phrase “each to his own house” pops up in line 291 as well. The repetition of this phrase paints a picture of the democratic concentration of ancient Greek society upon the individual, holding important clues as to why this epic remains relevant to modern American society.
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