Comparison Homer's Odyssey and Tennyson's UlyssesHomer's Odyssey describes the life of a middle-aged man, while "Ulysses" by Tennyson describes Odysseus as an old man. The character's role in his son's life changes. As Telemachus matures, he no longer requires the same guidance as his father. However, time does not alter the caring bond the man has with his crew, nor the willpower he possesses to achieve his goals. While Odysseus and his son are united and face the world together, Odysseus sees himself and his son as two different people. live separate lives. When he returns, Odysseus has a close and personal relationship with his son; becomes Telemachus' mentor. Odysseus realizes Telemachus' resemblance to himself: both are noble men of action who value justice. Together, they hatch a plan to avenge the arrogant suitors who have abused their family for the past three years. Finally, "he [Odysseus] found the whole company lying in heaps in blood and dust..." (Homer, 22.383). Father and son win together. In contrast, as Odysseus grows older, he and his son grow apart. Odysseus is confident that he has trained his son to be a benevolent ruler. He praises Telemachus' patience, kindness, and prudence, all exceptional qualities that he lacks. Odysseus recognizes that he and his son are opposite people. He is adventurous, while Telemachus is calm. “He does his work, I do mine” (Tennyson, line 43) suggests acceptance of a destiny; the father and son must lead separate lives due to their differences. Despite the changing roles the man plays in Telemachus' life, he manages to raise his son into a respectable leader. Although the father-son relationship is different, Ody... middle of paper... old age or barriers , will always strive to achieve his goals. The experiences of Ulysses and Ulysses are tributes to the power of the human spirit; a lot can be achieved if they are determined. Ulysses and Ulysses have differences, but also similarities. The man's role in his son's life changes once Telemachus matures. However, Odysseus and Ulysses have similar characteristics: their love for their crew and their determination to achieve goals. The man is a born leader; he shows leadership in raising his son, caring for his crew, and ultimately taking charge of his life. Poets hail men who have a direction in life to strive and achieve goals. Works Cited Homer. Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. New York: Vintage, 1961. Tennyson, Alfred. "Ulysses." Norton's introduction to literature. Eds. Jerome Beaty and J. Paul Hunter. 7th ed.