Telemachus Growth In Homer's Odyssey

From Feeble to Firm
In the epic poem “The Odyssey” by Homer, the first four books contain the transformation of Odysseus’ son Telemachus from a weak child to a strong and confident man. This growth prepares the reader for the similar challenges Odysseus will face throughout the rest of the epic. However, this change could not occur without the help of Athena, who inspires Telemachus to stand up to the suitors and go on a quest to find his father. Nestor and Menelaus will also guide Telemachus to his true self. These experiences help Telemachus utilize his potential and mature into a noble and brave man like his father. Telemachus will strengthen his words and begin to take control of his life, which transforms him into a noble and confident
man, with the help of Athena, Nestor, and Menelaus.
Athena, when she arrives in book one, inspires Telemachus to move from a pathetic and weak adolescent to showing a glimpse of strength.
Homer first depicts Telemachus, “sitting among the suitors heart obsessed with grief. / He could almost see his magnificent father here... / … / and drive these suitors all in a rout throughout the halls.”(page 81) (Homer. United States of America. Viking Penguin, 1996. Print.) Clearly, Telemachus is helpless and immature. He is moping around hoping for someone to drive the suitors out of his house, when he himself is fully capable of getting rid of them. Basically, Telemachus lacks independence and self-confidence. However, when Athena comes disguised to inspire Telemachus, he seems to show a shred of hope. He is still slightly unsure of himself, but Athena encourages him to take initiative in getting rid of the suitors. Telemachus finally decides to drive them out, and he states, “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? .../ … / … / I’ll stop at nothing to hurl destruction at your heads,.” (page 103) Telemachus is at his first turning point in maturation. Additionally, Homer is foreshadowing that Telemachus will slowly grow and change into a man of
courage.
As a result of Athena’s encouragement, Telemachus takes the challenge of finding his father; He meets Menelaus along the way, who teaches him who he is and where his roots are. Menelaus acts as one of Telemachus’ guides to personal growth, by sharing with him who is father was, and who he has the potential to be. Menelaus first describes how great his father was, calling him a hero, a lion, and speaking of him very highly. Telemachus understands how noble his father was, and how challenging it may be to be as great as his father was. Menelaus then gets Telemachus to realize how he is just as honorable as his father, Menelaus states “Good blood runs in you, dear boy, your words are proof.” (page 143) This strengthens Telemachus’ confidence which is vital for him to mature.
Along with the confidence boost from Menelaus, Telemachus will also hear the wise words of Nestor, who teaches him how to be the ideal, respectable son. Nestor shares the story of Agamemnon, Aegisthus, Clytemnestra and Orestes. Nestor is trying to show Telemachus the path to being a noble son, through Orestes. Orestes was brave and heroic, “he cut (Aegisthus) down” and had “Vengence done.” He is giving Telemachus a lesson on how to defend his household, father, and mother through lack of fear and perseverance. This shapes Telemachus into an ideal son, and guides him to the type of person he wants to be. Telemachus changes throughout the novel, not only through his words but also through his actions.
Telemachus learns how to speak and argue respectively and impressively, which the Greeks look on with high regard. Once he gains his confidence, he is able to speak fluently and calmly. This is demonstrated when he lectures the suitors with power and persuasion to leave his house. Telemachus does not just learn to speak, but he also learns to take action. At the beginning of the poem Telemachus is like “Cinderella”, meaning he waits for someone to save him from his distress. He later transforms into his own “Prince Charming”, and decides to take initiative in his life. Athena can see this happening and states “Now there was a man, I’d say in words and action both.” (page 102) He becomes a man and fixes the problems in his life on his own, by driving out the suitors and searching for his lost
father.

Telemachus goes through many personal changes and finds out who he his. He could not do this without the encouragement, inspiration and assistance he receives from Athena, Nestor, and Menelaus. He learns his way with words, and he learns how to take charge of his own life. He matures and evolves from a feeble child, into a reflection of his authoritative and compelling father. At the end of the Telemachy, Telemachus is a noble man who demands respect and admiration.