Telemachus In The Odyssey

It shows that she wants to help Telemachus mature, gain power that is rightfully his including a higher status in society and a more outspoken personality, find his father, etc. Another way that their journeys parallel is that both experienced very generous examples of xenia, or the Greek code of hospitality. Telemachus experienced this with King Nestor and King Menelaus, which were both very positive experiences for him. With Odysseus, some of the hosts were not very good at following Xenia (Circle, because she turned his men into pigs, Lotus Eaters, because they gave his men fruit that “imprisoned them on the island”, Calypso, because she forced him to stay on her island, etc). Some of the hosts were also good at the same time even though they were bad, including Circle after Odysseus slept with her, and Calypso, because she cared for him lovingly. The Phaecians were hosts who are very caring, and they give him gifts, a safe ride home, food, clothing, etc. The Phaecians displayed ideal characteristics of xenia.

Telemachus exhibits both mature and immature behaviors towards King Menelaus. For example, Telemachus exhibits mature behavior when he goes with Psististratus, without Athena, to visit Menelaus. Before this point, Telemachus has needed Athena’s guidance to behave properly. This is the first time Telemachus has done something independent of Athena. Although Telemachus is nervous to speak to Menelaus, he musters up enough courage to ask Menelaus about his father.

He goes through emotional and mental changes that were helped along by the actions of gods and goddess. Telemakhos would not have gone from a young helpless man to if it wasn’t for their intervention and actions. Telemakhos was a baby when Odysseus left for Troy. He has since grown up without his father, and wants to do something against the suitors who have overrun his home but the does not know how. Athena disguised as Mentor, convinces him to take a stand against the suitors.

      During the book it seems that even a goddess, such as Athene, does not know what to do with somebody as incompetent, and inexperienced as Telemachus.  Athene toys with some ideas and then finally decides to get Telemachus to go to Sparta.  Perhaps it is this journey that finally gives Telemachus a chance to mature and see the world.  Through this journey, Telemachus' first, he sees many new sights and encounters new situations. He is humbled when he sees the palace of Menelaos and his most beautiful

This shows that from traveling to Pylos and Sparta to speaking to the blind prophet Tiresias in the Underworld, Telemachus demonstrates his unwavering commitment to finding his father and bringing him back home. As a result, his willingness to embark on this dangerous and uncertain journey proves his bravery and loyalty to his family. Thirdly, Telemachus may be perceived as cowardly by some, but his actions throughout The Odyssey speak volumes about his true courage and bravery. This shows that, from standing up to the suitors, to fearlessly speaking to powerful leaders, to going to great lengths to seek his father, Telemachus proves himself to be a character of immense strength and resolve. As a result, he may not possess the physical prowess of his father, Odysseus, Telemachus' bravery shines through in his unique way, making him a truly admirable and courageous character in this timeless epic

(2) Another outcome of Athena’s encouragement is Telemachus’ development of eloquence. At first, he is tentative and inexperienced at using his loquaciousness on the suitors and Ithacans, but he soon becomes an expert orator when speaking to Menelaus. After Athena’s inspiration, Telemachus finally confronts the courters and complains about their insolence. He delivers a scolding speech, which prompts them to be “amazed that [he] can speak with so much daring” (1. 439). His loquaciousness surprises the suitors, as they have never heard him audaciously advocate for his beliefs. However, his complaints do not leave a lasting effect on the courters, as they immediately begin to “dance and s[ing]” (1. 480). Telemachus then becomes tentative, and eventually succumbs and does not reprimand them again. Thus, his hesitation and amateurism prohibits him from completely inducing them to leave. Moreover, he is unsuccessful in rousing the Ithacans to retaliate against the suitors. Telemachus attempts to make an inspiring speech to persuade the Ithacans to fight against the courters, but instead, he provokes “pity [to] seize [the Ithacans]” (2. 88). The response is the opposite of what the young prince desired, and this failure proves Telemachus is still a neophyte at utilizing his eloquence. At Menelaus’ house, Telemachus matures and becomes an effective and influential speaker. Menelaus offers three magnificent stallions to Telemachus, but he

Telemachus's leadership skills are evident as he efficiently assigns tasks and prepares the ship for departure. His confidence and authority are on display as he addresses the crew, urging them to set sail without delay. With a sturdy vessel and capable crew, Telemachus embarks on his journey to Pylos and Sparta, marking a significant step in his transition from a hesitant youth to a capable and determined young

Telemachus makes many outbursts regarding the suitors, however, the suitors note his adolescence and inexperience, paying Telemachus little mind. Telemachus’ outbursts only lead to more strife from the suitors. After consult with Athena, who has disguised herself as an old man, Mentor, Telemachus decides to heed her advice and hold council in his father’s place. This is a monumental move, for the council has not met for twenty years. He states his case to the council, and to the suitors.

Throughout the last few books of the Odyssey, Homer explains to the reader how Odysseus reestablishes his relationships with his family and friends of Ithaka. It’s possible the restoration of his relationship with his son, Telemachus, is the most significant event of all. This reconnection carries out three main purposes. First, it serves to characterize Telemachus' likeness to his father in the virtues of wisdom, humility, patience, and organization. Secondly, it enables Odysseus a chance to coach Telemachus on how to be a powerful ruler like he is. Lastly, Homer uses the reconnection to highlight the importance of a healthy family structure to a society. To be able to understand

But come, send us off to bed. It's time to rest, time to joy the sweet relief of sleep.””(133. 325-331) This quote is essential to the character of Telemachus as it helps to show how he grew mentally from a boy into a man. He was referred to as “clear-sighted,” which signifies how he evolved from a young boy with clouded judgement into a wise and clever prince with a clear mind. By the end of book four, Telemachus was well on his way to becoming a great leader and ruler like Odysseus, but he still had quite a way to

(book#: 22 line#: 375, 377) As soon as he realized someone who doesn’t deserve the pain, Telemachus stood up and showed his big heart but also showed his weakness. No matter how hard you try and show you’re brave, strong, and confident you still have a weakness or something that makes you stop and think and that signs of humanity. Undoubtedly Telemachus is a brave man but sometimes things stop him from being his full

Homer shows how Telemachus has grown up in The Odyssey, through how he changes his attitude about taking responsibility for his household. At the beginning of the story, he is not that adamant about taking care of his home. He says, “’Isn’t it quite enough that you, my mother’s suitors have ravaged it all, my very best, these many years, while I was still a boy?’” (Pg. 103 lines 346-8) He just cares about the material wealth of the household. He doesn’t think that it is his duty to take care of it. This is a very immature view. However, Telemachus does take some responsibility for it. He lets the guest into his house and tells his mother to go upstairs, which shows he is taking responsibility for what is his. This is true in some ways, but he is only taking on minimal responsibility because it is required of him, not because he

Odysseus and Telemakhos are both clear-headed, eloquent, and emotional. These are but three of the traits that they share. They both can keep their head clear in battle, and think quickly to get out of bad situations. They both are able to use their powerful speech to get things to go their way. Both also can become very emotional at times. This shows what a great impact a father has on his son. By setting a good example for Telemakhos, Odysseus guaranteed that Telemakhos would be just as great a man as he

Since he is temporarily filling in for Odysseus, the king’s stories become a guide for Telemachus to follow. Menelaus affectionately refers to him as “dear boy”, and through telling his own stories to Odysseus, he does more than merely helping Telemachus find his father and reinstate his former authority. He also enlightens him on the other aspects of manhood, which are often buried under long-established Hellenic generalizations of one simply attaining kleos through demonstrating excellence in athletic games, bravery and cunning through military victories, perpetuating the patriarchal hierarchal system in households and society at large, and other “masculine” qualities. King Menelaus does not share his story merely to convince Telemachus to disregard the importance of these values; his purpose was to open the boy’s mind to all the facets of manhood that he was not exposed to earlier. His story is told to show Telemachus that the real value and happiness of a man lies not only in the heroism derived though his myriads of adventures, his victory souvenirs, or the fame he receives, and that a home also cannot be made solely from his wealth, his property, or his grand gestures of authority. Our identities are also composed of our

These two actions show the beginning of Telemachus' maturity. When Athena came in disguise to help Telemachus, the name Mentor was appropriately fitting. Before Mentor approached Telemachus, no one was trying to control the suitors or make them leave. But, the advise Mentor gave Telemachus encouraged him to take action against the shameless suitors. He proves to be the man of the house by standing up to his mother so he could address the crowd. He is learning how to take control of a situation, which he does not stand for, and how to stand up for himself and his family.