Homer's Odyssey/Monarch Notes (A Guide to Understanding the World's Great Writing)

The suitors, who have been awaiting her decision for several years, have in the meantime spent their days feasting in Odysseus' hall. In so doing, they are devouring his livestock and abusing his servants. The direct victim of their voracious behavior is Tele-machus, the son of Odysseus who is now approaching manhood. Telemachus, who is the heir of Odysseus' property and title, is constantly derided and taunted by the suitors who waste his father's household.