The Odyssey by Homer and the poem “Ithaka” by C.F. Cavafy depict a magical journey full of surprises representing the ruling importance of the journey over the destination. In these two writings, the destination is Ithaka, a beautiful island located in Greece. However, the journey is the one who increases the value and beautifulness of Ithaka in Odysseus’ eyes. In The Odyssey, both Telemachus and Odysseus embark on an expedition which shape their character and views of the world. Ithaka was only their destination; the journey magically transformed Odysseus and Telemachus.
Expeditions shape heroes, change their perspectives of the world, and increase their self-esteem. For instance, Telemachus’s voyage increased his maturity; he turned into …show more content…
And they all bit their lips, amazed the prince could speak with so much daring.” (Fagles 389). Due to him becoming more mature, his perspective of his surroundings also developed. Maturity is an important trip to be taken. In “The Hero’s Adventure,” an interview between Joseph Campbell and Moyers, it stated, “That’s the basic motif of the universal hero’s journey-leaving one condition and finding the source of life to bring you forth into a richer or mature condition.”(124). Telemachus realized he had much power and did not take much heed to what Penelope told him. He also realized action was needed and in order to find his father and he embarked on a journey himself with the help of Athena. The destination plays no role at all in developing and adding to the character since all it does is provide a goal. Odysseus also transformed throughout the story due to his journey. When facing all of the difficulties in the sea, he became stronger, daring, and aggressive. “As long …show more content…
However, Odysseus’ perspective of his home, Ithaka, changed. Ithaka changed from a lovely place where Odysseus and his family lived happily ever after to a place where Odysseus had to avenge the suitors and take his power back. His aggressiveness impelled him to punish everyone disloyal to him, even some of the maids. His aggressiveness developed from his journey, fighting obstacles such as Polyphemus. In the poem “Ithaka”, C.F. Cavafy writes, “She has nothing left to give you now. And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you.” (12). Once Odysseus came back to Ithaka, he realized how different Ithaka felt. Compared to all of the exciting adventures he embarked on, Ithaka became very dull after some time. The journey was the one behind this change in perspective. The entire adventure would have no meaning without the obstacles Odysseus faced. The journey was behind the enrichment of Odysseus’ character. The destination does not do a single one of these things, all it does is provide Odysseus with somewhere to go after his enriching journey is complete. According to Drake, “Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.” The destination gains its value from the journey. After being away from Ithaka