The Maturation of Telemachus in Homers Odyssey Essays

The Maturation of Telemachus in Homers Odyssey The Odyssey was a great book in which many characters were brought out and developed. The most significant development that occured in the epic was the development of Telemachus. Telemachus is a very complex character that Homer develops from beginning to end. From the beginning when is a mere shadow of his father to near the end in which he is considered just as courageous. Many factors influence Telemachus as he matures into a man. To begin with his name means Far from Battle. This was given to him because he was born when the male generations of his parents were going off to the Trojan War. But the name proves to be ironic, for the epic ends with†¦show more content†¦Athene has to come in and has to encourage and give advise to the young, immature Telemachus on what to do. Without this he would have undoubtedly done absolutely nothing about the situation with the suitors and/or any news concerning his fathers return. Is it then ok to ask if Telemachus would be a hero at the end of the book without divine intervention ? Should we judge Telemachus on what he was before or after the goddess helped him ? Telemachus did not have a role model, no father figure. It is probably because of this that we come to have pity for poor Telemachus and condone that a goddess had to help him before he was anybody. In a large way it is unfair to compare Telemachus with his father who also receives divine a ttention. Odysseus had a chance to prove himself to the gods and earned their attention. However, because Telemachus had no father he never had the chance to prove himself. 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 wifeShow MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Homer s Odyssey1433 Words   |  6 PagesHomer’s Odyssey makes use of its epic qualities to narrate the lives of three men. The tale begins with Telemachus, a young prince who leaves his homeland to learn about his father and about himself at the same time. Through the use of this initial event, Homer creates a chronological structure that is further observed through the introduction of the story’s main character, Odysseus, the king of Ithaca and the father of Telemachus. Both father and son long to see each other after a decade of separationRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Odyssey 1124 Words   |  5 PagesAdventure The Odyssey is one of many great stories passed down through time. The story is written in dactylic hextameter, opening up in the middle of all the action. 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