Question

"I have neither heard any tidings of the army's return, which I might tell you plainly, seeing that I had first learned of it myself, nor is there any other public matter on which I am to speak and address you. Nay, it is mine own need, for that evil has fallen upon my house in two-fold wise. First, I have lost my noble sire who was once king among you here, and was gentle as a father; and now there is come an evil yet greater far, which will presently altogether destroy my house and ruin all my livelihood. My mother have wooers beset against her will, the sons of those men who are here the noblest. They shrink from going to the house of her father, Icarius, that he may himself exact the bride-gifts for his daughter, and give her to whom he will, even to him who meets his favour, but thronging our house day after day they slay our oxen and sheep and fat goats, and keep revel, and drink the sparkling wine recklessly; and havoc is made of all this wealth. For there is no man here, such as Odysseus was, to ward off ruin from the house."

Based upon Telemachus's speech, what Homeric Epithet best describes him and why?
A) 'Brave Telemachus' because he speaks boldly about his father's absence and his current troubles.
B) 'Noble Telemachus' because he addresses the assembly with dignity and seeks help for his household.
C) 'Cunning Telemachus' because he is clever in his approach to deal with his mother's suitors.
D) 'Adventurous Telemachus' because he mentions the need to protect his house and livelihood.

Answer 1

The 'Noble Telemachus' epithet accurately reflects Telemachus's dignified plea for assistance in dealing with the suitors in his household, which highlights his sense of responsibility and the noble character he portrays. option B is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on Telemachus's speech, the Homeric Epithet that best describes him is 'Noble Telemachus' because he addresses the assembly with dignity and seeks help for his household.

His approach to the situation reflects his nobility and the responsibilities he shoulders due to his father's absence. In his speech, Telemachus does not demonstrate overt cunning or adventurousness; instead, he displays the qualities of a dignified young nobleman burdened by the troubles at home.

Choosing the correct option in the final answer is important for the 500-word response expected in schoolwork. By considering the Homeric epithets and the context of the speech, we can conclude that 'Noble Telemachus' is indeed the appropriate label for Telemachus in this scenario.