Many boys who grow up without a father lack the direction and insight gained only through having a masculine role model. Such a boy is introduced in Homers' epic tale The Odyssey as Telemakhos, Odysseus' son. In the beginning of the story, Homer portrays Telemakhos as a timid and passive person who has not the strength to run out the suitors who have taken over his house. However, in Book XXI lines 358-378 the reader may note a dramatic change in Telemakhos' attitude as he begins to take on the responsibilities of a man. Through this short passage one realizes that Odysseus' son is now willing to stand up for himself and thus take a stand against the suitors.
Beginning at line 360, Telemakhos makes a statement directed towards his mother that "no man here has more authority than I do
At this point in the tale the reader is aware that Telemakhos knows his father Odysseus has returned to retake his estate. Why then would Homer chose to make Telemakhos into a strong man when he does not have to be? His father Odysseus has already returned so there is nothing for Telemakhos to be in charge of or responsible for. Perhaps the boy is taking charge because he wants to impress his father and prove he can help overtake the suitors. After all there are many men for Odysseus and Telemakhos to fight and he must be brave to succeed.
At a glance, this passage where Telemakhos gives his mother orders may seem uneventful. In actuality, this is a turning point in the boys' life because he publicly acknowledges for the first time he is a man. Being the man of the house means that Telemakhos has responsibilities and obligations especially to his father. Later in the story on
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