... Odysseus states "so true it is that a mans fatherland and his parents are what he holds sweetest" Odysseus obviously misses his father and home at this point and makes it obvious that these factors are a major force driving his determination to reach his home. The mental and physical decline of Laertes health, since Odysseus departure, are a result of the grief stricken state that he refuses to get past over his missing and presumed dead son. This state of morning is epitomised when from the underworld Anticlea, Odysseus mother, tells Odysseus of his father's current state "he lies in misery with old age pressing hard upon him, and nursing, the grief and yearning for you to come back" Odysseus saw this with his own eyes when he finally visits his father after defeating the suitors, he then says "I cannot help remarking -and please do not take offence- ...

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