Obviously the subject of the Odyssey is Odysseus, but I’m enjoying the scene setting for Telemachus’s growth.
When previously starting the book I’ve always written him off as a bit of brat (especially in the way he talks to Penelope). Your aframing of his development in this write up has peaked my interest for the rest of the story
I agree with the prior comments about how difficult it is add anything intelligent to Matthew's essay. Just a couple of random observations: The scene where the suitors cavalierly reject the interpretation by Halitherses of the eagles was particularly powerful to me. When villains disregard advice or prophesies from wise elders, you know they will get their comeuppance. And the ending scene, where Telemachus sets sail, uses vivid detail to convey a strong sense of adventure and anticipation for what lies ahead in the story.
The themes in the Odyssey (greed, gross disregard for cultural traditions, violations of the norms of human decency, coming of age of a charismatic leader to set the world right) are universal and timeless. We can certainly seem them in modern literature and life.
Thank you again Matthew! So helpful as I sometimes rush through these rich works just to find out how it wraps up. The political assessments of the characters gave me some things to think about. Particularly the paragraph you compared to corporate behavior (The suitors' conspicuous consumption, which destroys productive capacity, parallels modern concerns about unsustainable economic practices that prioritize short-term gain over long-term stability. Their indifference to Ithaca's economic health reflects contemporary corporate short-termism and the prioritization of immediate profits over sustainable practices.) --- after reading this, I also draw a parallel to individual consumption that prioritizes comfort and convenience over long-term sustainable practices and goals.
Thank you for a worthwhile Saturday morning pause that I hope to make a habit!
I have to slow down the pace of the 🍓 voice lots of people don't like the us blueberry🫐voice Two nations divided by a common language according to Winston Churchill.
I found this remarkable and how much it reflects our society SINCE THE 1960s. Antinous + Eurymachus have been setting the cultural agenda for decades now. Id now like to read the original text but hopefully I can listen instead on Audible. I did that with War and Peace and now when I read the actual text I understand the context better than if I'd tried to read it straight off. I've always been more drawn to the Odysseus story because he was a trickster and a bit of a spiv,and conned or talked his way out of difficult situations instead of dying valiantly like Achilles and all those beautiful heroes. He is more my kinda guy. I'm hoping to do a Substack of my own based on the interpretation here...a sense of entitlement and disregard for legitimate authority" several names at the highest level come to mind. Don't we all feel nostalgic for the days when Hypocrisy ruled and at least a pretence of respect for legitimacy was shown. Vice paying tribute to virtue. Now it's all out in the open and anyone who doesn't like it can be cancelled at a click.
Matthew, a spot on summary what well wraps up the overall of Book 2. Like many of the commentors, I have little valuable to add.
Your third question sits with me. This past week I began writing a responsive essay which combines history and politics with fossil fuel resources. The moral leadership that lacks and the omens (two eagles in Odysseus and warming climate conditions in current times) is a lesson in injustice and inequity. How it is that individuals/assemblies seek to ignore what is a logical considered argument and respond with blame and manipulation which forces a conversation (conversation being key) away from what is important.
Likewise, Telemachus speech is a reminder of having voice and using that voice understanding that sometimes it won’t be heard and that seeking alternative actions might be warranted. You mention, “his entry into public discourse” which comes with its own weight. While competence is one aspect, treading into conversation requires belief in the words being spoken. This is apt for both coming of age, but also for those simply wanting to stand up for themselves and change the moral argument or institutional dysfunction or generational conflict.
I’m not sure it is going possible for me to add anything to your masterful exegesis.
Enjoyable and excellent piece of writing, thankyou for the enormous intelligence and skill you display - cheers David M @HistoryExplored 🫡👌👍
Obviously the subject of the Odyssey is Odysseus, but I’m enjoying the scene setting for Telemachus’s growth.
When previously starting the book I’ve always written him off as a bit of brat (especially in the way he talks to Penelope). Your aframing of his development in this write up has peaked my interest for the rest of the story
I agree with the prior comments about how difficult it is add anything intelligent to Matthew's essay. Just a couple of random observations: The scene where the suitors cavalierly reject the interpretation by Halitherses of the eagles was particularly powerful to me. When villains disregard advice or prophesies from wise elders, you know they will get their comeuppance. And the ending scene, where Telemachus sets sail, uses vivid detail to convey a strong sense of adventure and anticipation for what lies ahead in the story.
The themes in the Odyssey (greed, gross disregard for cultural traditions, violations of the norms of human decency, coming of age of a charismatic leader to set the world right) are universal and timeless. We can certainly seem them in modern literature and life.
Thank you again Matthew! So helpful as I sometimes rush through these rich works just to find out how it wraps up. The political assessments of the characters gave me some things to think about. Particularly the paragraph you compared to corporate behavior (The suitors' conspicuous consumption, which destroys productive capacity, parallels modern concerns about unsustainable economic practices that prioritize short-term gain over long-term stability. Their indifference to Ithaca's economic health reflects contemporary corporate short-termism and the prioritization of immediate profits over sustainable practices.) --- after reading this, I also draw a parallel to individual consumption that prioritizes comfort and convenience over long-term sustainable practices and goals.
Thank you for a worthwhile Saturday morning pause that I hope to make a habit!
I have to slow down the pace of the 🍓 voice lots of people don't like the us blueberry🫐voice Two nations divided by a common language according to Winston Churchill.
https://open.substack.com/pub/grubstreetinexile/p/the-south-bank-show-special-the-strawberry?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=l1oox
I found this remarkable and how much it reflects our society SINCE THE 1960s. Antinous + Eurymachus have been setting the cultural agenda for decades now. Id now like to read the original text but hopefully I can listen instead on Audible. I did that with War and Peace and now when I read the actual text I understand the context better than if I'd tried to read it straight off. I've always been more drawn to the Odysseus story because he was a trickster and a bit of a spiv,and conned or talked his way out of difficult situations instead of dying valiantly like Achilles and all those beautiful heroes. He is more my kinda guy. I'm hoping to do a Substack of my own based on the interpretation here...a sense of entitlement and disregard for legitimate authority" several names at the highest level come to mind. Don't we all feel nostalgic for the days when Hypocrisy ruled and at least a pretence of respect for legitimacy was shown. Vice paying tribute to virtue. Now it's all out in the open and anyone who doesn't like it can be cancelled at a click.
Matthew, a spot on summary what well wraps up the overall of Book 2. Like many of the commentors, I have little valuable to add.
Your third question sits with me. This past week I began writing a responsive essay which combines history and politics with fossil fuel resources. The moral leadership that lacks and the omens (two eagles in Odysseus and warming climate conditions in current times) is a lesson in injustice and inequity. How it is that individuals/assemblies seek to ignore what is a logical considered argument and respond with blame and manipulation which forces a conversation (conversation being key) away from what is important.
Likewise, Telemachus speech is a reminder of having voice and using that voice understanding that sometimes it won’t be heard and that seeking alternative actions might be warranted. You mention, “his entry into public discourse” which comes with its own weight. While competence is one aspect, treading into conversation requires belief in the words being spoken. This is apt for both coming of age, but also for those simply wanting to stand up for themselves and change the moral argument or institutional dysfunction or generational conflict.