Telemachus’s Development Throughout the Odyssey, Essay Example

The story of Odyssey is not only a heroic epic poem about the main character; it is also the first documentation of “growing up” from being an adolescent into a responbsible adult. In Book One, the author even states this line of narrative, as if he was highlighting the importance of Telemachus’ role in the events.

“In the meantime I will go to Ithaca, to put heart into Ulysses’ son Telemachus; I will embolden him to call the Achaeans in assembly, and speak out to the suitors of his mother Penelope”. (Book One, 5)

Telemachus needs to “grow up to the task” due to the absence of his father; he needs to become the man of the house, and this process is clearly documented by Homer in Odyssey. Some of the main themes of Telemachus’ personal development will be reviewed below.

From Adolescent to Adult

Telemachus meets Athena in the first Book of Odyssey and is assigned an important task. He discovers that he is able to help his father and end the misery of his mother. He tells Athene:          “My mother,” answered Telemachus, tells me I am son to Ulysses, but it is a wise child that knows his own father”. (Book One)

In this part of the book, Telemachus calls himself a “child” and realizes that he needs to behave like an adult to complete the task. He listens to the advice of  Athene, but has several other “mentors” as well who help him in his personal development. King Nestor and Menelaus also help him understand adulthood in Ancient Greece better. One important thing to mention here, however, is that he does not take the path of taking the place of his father and copying his action. His development throughout Odyssey is a success because he finds his own self-identity (kleos).

Further, he carefully dresses himself to the assembly; he knows what is expected of him. He actively studies customs and rules of adulthood. While he is still full of self-doubt, he understands that he needs to appear strong and bold.

From Passive to Active

From just sitting with the suitors passively, taking on the assignment Athena gave him, be suddenly becomes active. He makes a speech in front of the public assembly, taking on an active role to influence the events. In Book 2 (40-79) he becomes offensive and uses strong language. He becomes a responsible adult. He also becomes active in searching for the solutions and answers; he approaches King Nestor. In the beginning, he is afraid, but decides that there is a greater purpose that needs to be served, so he overcomes his fears.

He initially tells Mentor: (2: 7-9): “dare I go up to Nestor, and how am I to address him? I have never yet been used to holding long conversations with people, and am ashamed to begin questioning one who is so much older than myself”.

He is reassured by Minerva that the Gods are with him, takes his courage and approaches Nestor.  He talks openly and clearly with the king and upon the positive reply, he becomes more confident in his speech. Nestor calls him “dear young friend”, which encourages him further. He understands the customs and courtesy that is used in the adult world of Greece. Nestor approves Telemachus’ quest and intentions to become an adult, by saying: “So you too, dear friend, for I see you are tall and splendid, be brave too, so that men unborn may speak well of you” (3.199-200).

From sitting at home, looking at the suitors waste his father’s fortune, he becomes an active character; takes on the role to set on a journey.

From Insignificant To a Hero

Telemachus’ significance is developed during the epic poem based on the role assigned to him. It is not likely that if Athena did not approach him. It is likely that his personal development and the process of becoming an adult would have been delayed. Only when he realizes how great the problem is, based on the narrative of Mentor and King Nestor, he understands that the survival of his father, as well as preserving the family fortune lie on his shoulders. He is assigned a great responsibility, but he is encouraged by divine creatures and the description of his father’s heroism by Nestor. He cries when he hears the true story, but collects himself and sets himself a clear goal, taking the lead for the quest for his father and creating a plan to keep the suitors at bay. While he does receive support and advice, he develops on his own; taking away the information and becoming a clever, skillful, tactical leader.

He speaks up for his father against the suitors; preparing the ground for his father, knowing that he will succeed in the end in taking his own home back. “I shall not suffer my mother to quit this house with a stranger, not if I can win the prizes which my father won before me.”

He makes a strong, bold statement that creates respect even in the suitors who have been disrespecting his father and mother. He throws a challenge at them, but only to make his mother recognize his father in disguise. He takes charge of the competition, saying:

“Mother, I am the only man either in Ithaca or in the islands that are over against Elis who has the right to let any one have the bow or to refuse it”. (21: 363)

Indeed, his role in restoring Odysseus’ legacy and status becomes more significant in the end of the book; without him, his father could not have returned safely and might have been killed. The real outcome of the story is the return and family reunion, which was clearly initiated and organized by Telemachus, who, by completing the mission, became a hero.

Influences of Father

While Telemachus never met his father, he heard legends about him even before he met Athene. However, it is clear that he only realizes the real hero in his own father when he talks to Nestor who praises the bravery and tactfulness of Odysseus. Nestor tells Telemachus how he resembles his father. He starts behaving like his father in Book 20. He creates a plan that is not only suitable for getting his father home, but also to take revenge on the suitors. In Book 20: 221 he states:

“It is a good thing for you that the stranger turned his head so that you missed him. If you had hit him I should have run you through with my spear, and your father would have had to see about getting you buried rather than married in this house “

The passage clearly resembles the tactfulness of Odysseus during his journey home. He does not make up the plot alone, but his father’s influence does show in the plan.

He further understands that he is responsible for standing up for his mother and thinks about how his father would act in a similar situation. He takes care of his mother, just as his father would have done. In Book 17, he considers the feelings of his mother, showing a true sign of adulthood. He states: “I will now go to the town and show myself to my mother, for she will never leave off grieving till she has seen me”. (17: 4) He does not only consider his mother, but his actions reflect Odysseus’ intentions, who wants to get home to reassure his family and bring peace to the country. In a smaller scale, Telemachus is trying to do the same. He is encouraged to take on the role of the man of the house by Minerva: “Go home, therefore, and put everything in charge”. (15: 13)

Conclusion

The story of the Odyssey should not be seen as a single narration of Odysseus’ journey and return to Ithaca. Indeed, there is a second, significant, and often neglected line of narration that tells us a story of a young boy, around the age of 20 who never met his father. From being idle and watching the events unfold, he realizes his role, develops a strong self-identity. He does so through learning about his father, divine guidance and courage. The story of Telemachus is still valid today; it describes the hurdles and challenges of becoming an adult, taking responsibility, thinking independently and looking after the interest of the family. The character of a strong, responsible, courageous and tactical young man, worthy of his father unfolds from the initial character of the young Telemachus. The role of mentors and divine guidance is significant in the process, but in the end, the boy-hero needs to fight all his battles to become worthy of his name.

Works Cited

Homer (cc. 700 B. C. ) The Odyssey. Translated by Samuel Butler. Print.