The Odyssey
While reading the epic poem, The Odyssey written by Greek poet Homer, it is difficult not to notice how each character develops throughout the epic. Telemachus, the character that is Odysseus's son changes dramatically, and is most obvious. He begins as an adolescent not knowing how to deal with unruly suitors and ends up a man who has successfully reunited with his father in order to defeat the disorderly suitors. Because of his father away at war his mother who pampers him, thus is causing him to be a timid, shy, and spineless teenager who cannot deal with the difficulty that the suitors bring him. Besides from being spoiled by a matriarchal figure he is forced to live up to his father's reputation. Athena helps him through his life while Odysseus is away trying to find a way home, but when Athena sends Telemachus to Sparta this shows him the world and is the first step to manhood. When Odysseus returns, Telemachus has almost completely morphed from a boy to a man but, one thing remains, the suitors. Not having any father figures as a child severely affects Telemachus. Being the son of a world famous father, a difficult reputation to live up to, does not help him. This lack of motivation and assertive behavior does not
During the poem it seems that even a goddess, such as Athena, does not know what do with somebody as incompetent, and inexperienced as Telemachus. Athena plays around with some ideas and finally decides to send Telemachus to talk to Menelaoss in Sparta about the whereabouts of his father. Perhaps it is this journey that finally gives Telemachus the chance to mature and see the world. Though this journey, his first time out of Ithaca, he sees many new sights and encounters new situations. He is humbled when he sees he palace of Menelaos and his beautiful wife, Helen. Telemachus learns how to act tactfully with those he wants to avoid. This is brought out when he avoids Nestor on his way back from Sparta. Through a series of events he sees what the world is about. He learns of his surroundings and perhaps for the first time in his life interacts with them. The journey to Sparta was very important in developing Telemachus, however it is plausible to argue that the journey back from Sparta was a bigger learning event. He faces his biggest obstacle so far in the book, the suitors plotting against him. He skillfully avoids a bad fate with some help from Athena. Homer does a wonderful job in showing Telemachus mature during the course of his epic poem. It is delightful to see a young, foolish boy grow into the proud man he became. Athena helped him get started but it really takes a true hero to get places an
Some common words found in the essay are:
Telemachus Sparta, Nestor Sparta, , Trojan War, Telemachus Homer, Menelaoss Sparta, Telemachus Athena, Helen Telemachus, Laertes Odysseus, telemachus father, situation suitors, telemachus suitors, suitors father, chance prove, journey sparta, epic poem,
Approximate Word count = 961
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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