Question

Read these lines from The Odyssey spoken by Menelaus and answer the question.

Never, anywhere, have I seen so great a likeness In man or woman—but it is truly strange! This boy must be the son of Odysseus, Telemachus, the child he left at home.

How do these lines from Book 4 expose the MAIN conflict in the relationship between Telemachus and Odessyus?

A)While Telemachus had received wise counsel from Athena, he continues to harbor self-doubts due his father’s abandonment of him.

B)Rather than rest on the laurels spoken by Menelaus, Telemachus instead feels oddly jealous of his father’s greatness.

C)In spite of the helpful comparison with his father’s likeness, Telemachus is not confident that he has inherited equally of his father’s physical traits.

D)Telemachus regards his father’s heroic legacy with many fears, including that the possibility that the comparison will favor his father.

Answer 1

C)In spite of the helpful comparison with his father’s likeness, Telemachus is not confident that he has inherited equally of his father’s physical traits.

Answer 2

Answer: C) In spite of the helpful comparison with his father’s likeness, Telemachus is not confident that he has inherited equally of his father’s physical traits.

Even though Menelaus believes Telemachus to resemble Odysseus greatly, Telemachus is still unsure of how he compares to his father, both physically and emotionally. He has grown up hearing of the incredible accomplishments of his father, and of his qualities and courage. Telemachus hopes he can be as virtuous as his father. However, throughout the text, we see that Telemachus indeed resembles his father in virtue and courage.