Telemachus is young, lacks self-confidence, and is inexperienced in the ways of the world. This is a major issue because Telemachus is the son of Odysseus. Odysseus is a great hero of the time period and for this reason his son is expected to follow in his footsteps. When we are introduced to Telemachus in Book 1, his palace is being overrun by the suitors who are eating his cattle and drinking his wine. He has no authority and shows a huge lack of self-confidence. At this point of the story Telemachus has the family name, but he has not lived up to it yet. There are certain qualities which Telemachus needs to possess in order to live up to this hero identity. He never shows any self-confidence. The suitors are over running his palace and he does not even have the courage to stand up to them. Charisma along with mental strength are other characteristics lacking from Telemachus' personality. But most importantly, Telemachus does not embody the cha

We sailed the seas for this, for news of your father

We'll make him yield the secrets of his heart.

This battle truly shows that Telemachus is a hero now. He and his father defeat the suitors. This was the final test for Telemachus and he passed with great strength. After the battle with the suitors, Telemachus now has fighting experience to go along with his newfound identity and knowledge. After his journey in Books 3 and 4 and the battle in Book 21, Telemachus is truly a hero.

Press him yourself to tell the whole truth:

When Telemachus returns to Ithaca in Book 15, he has experienced the ways of the world and developed the characteristics necessary to be a hero. These changes in Telemachus have an effect right away. In Book 18 after Odysseus (in disguise) fights Irus, the beggar, the suitors begin to riot. The suitors are drunk and it is late in the evening and Telemachus puts a quick end to commotion. Telemachus says to the suitors:

So go right up to Nestor, break of horses.

racteristic of kleos. This is a Greek word meaning a heroic reputation, a hero's highest reward (Clark 34). Through out his journey Telemachus will develop this heroic reputation along with gaining these other characteristics, which he does not have in Book 1. He needs to learn the rules of hospitality as well as knowledge of the Trojan War.

go home to bed-when the spirit moves, that is.

food and wine have gone to your heads. Some god

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Approximate Word count = 1740
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)