How is The Odyssey a frame story?

"The Odyssey" employs the literary device of the "frame story," in which a smaller narrative is embedded within a larger one, offering additional context or perspectives on the main narrative. In the case of "The Odyssey," the frame story involves Telemachus's journey to find news of his father, Odysseus. This framing narrative encompasses episodes like Telemachus's voyage to Pylos and Sparta and his conversations with characters such as Athena and Menelaus.

These initial adventures serve as a prelude to the main story of Odysseus's arduous journey back to his homeland of Ithaca. The frame story not only provides background and motivation for Odysseus's absence and Telemachus's quest but also creates anticipation and suspense for the epic adventures to come. Additionally, Telemachus's experiences and interactions during his journey add depth to the characters involved and contribute to the story's overall themes and messages.

The use of the frame story enables Homer to broaden the narrative scope and introduce a wide range of characters and subplots while maintaining a cohesive structure for the epic poem.