Homer's The Odyssey- Extended Metaphor

[Shreyash Dalmia]

Homer’s The Odyssey- Extended Metaphor

“The goddess spoke and the next moment she was gone, vanishing like a
bird through a hole in the roof. In Telemachus’ heart she had
implanted spirit and daring, and had brought the image of his father
to his mind even more strongly than before. He felt the change and was
overcome with awe, for he realized a god had been with him. Then,
godlike himself, he rejoined the Suitors”.
Homer, The Odyssey, Book 1, p. 11, [319-325]

This excerpt, referring to the initial encounter in between Odysseus’
son Telemachus and the powerful goddess Athene, is an example of an
extended or epic metaphor in Homer’s The Odyssey. Although the first
line of the excerpt appears to be a simile, it is a crucial part of
the extended metaphor, which is actually rooted in the second line of
the passage as, “In Telemachus’ heart she had implanted spirit and
daring, and had brought the image of his father to his mind even more
strongly than before”. The vehicle of the metaphor is not clearly
stated, but is implied with the verb “implanted”, as “spirit and
daring” are being compared to seeds being planted into soil, linking
the two entirely different ideas. What differentiates this extended
metaphor from just a metaphor is the continuation of the metaphor in
the subsequent lines. The inspiration that the goddess Athene instills
within Telemachus makes him want to find his father, and with that
determination, he goes to confront the Suitors. The first line is also
part of the extended metaphor as it introduces the metaphor to the
reader and allows for the reader’s own interpretation of its meaning.

The extended metaphor itself suggests that the virtues of spirit (or
morale) and daring (or courage) are being put into Telemachus by the
goddess just like seeds would be put into the soil. Although when
inserted they do not add any value, with time and energy, the seeds
will sprout and mature into trees, which will be capable of an
accomplishment (such as providing a habitat for other organisms).
Likewise, with time and plenty of opportunities to prove himself,
Telemachus will lose his former shyness (as he does in the epic) and
will have the courage and bravery to face the Suitors to regain his
family’s honor and pride.

Through Athene’s actions, Telemachus gets inspired to be like his
resourceful and intelligent father and the mere fact that almighty
Zeus’ daughter is ready to guide him would result in him acquiring
courage and maturing faster, similar to how a more experienced
gardener could make seeds grow faster. The implications of this
extended metaphor resonate throughout the entire poem, as Telemachus
strives to be a better master in the stead of his father and also a
hero like Odysseus, believing in the goddess’ words that he is alive.
This motivates him to eventually make his own decisions and stand
firm, just like a fully-grown and mature tree does.