Telemachus Change In The Odyssey

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Telemachia Essay Through the influence of others a person can change and grow during their lifetime. In the epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer tells the changes that Telemachus, son of Odysseus, undergoes throughout the beginning of the poem. Telemachus transforms from a timid boy into a strong and confident man due to the help of Athena and the two kings by providing him with the support he needs. Initially, Telemachus is introduced as an insecure person is unable to neither stand up for himself, nor take responsibility of being a king. His father, Odysseus, is being held captive by Calypso and Athena creates a plan to have him rescued. She explains her plan to Zeus: “While I myself go down to Ithaca, rouse his son to a braver pitch, inspire …show more content…

The fact that he gets help from her, is a goddess will give him the feeling that he is special. Before …show more content…

Towards the end of his visit with King Nestor, Telemachus is advised to visit King Menelaus in Sparta. Athena/ Mentes then makes up an excuse not to follow Telemachus to Sparta. As she is starting to leave, she transforms into an eagle revealing her true identity as a goddess. King Nestor exclaims to Telemachus, “Dear boy—never fear you’ll be a coward or defenseless not if at your age the gods will guard you so” (3.420, 421). King Nestor explains to Telemachus that he has the gods on his side, so he should not fear anything. He tells Telemachus that he will get what he wants, information about his father, since the almighty gods favor him. From one king to the next, Telemachus is given a chance to reveal his recent change in attitude. After visiting King Nestor, Telemachus arrives in Sparta ready to speak with King Menelaus. Telemachus reveals to him that he has come to receive news of Odysseus: “Don’t soften a thing, from pity, respect for me […] tell me the truth” (4.365, 370). Telemachus has hit the top level of maturity since he is prepared to hear the truth about Odysseus. He used to be so distraught that he was unable to do anything and now he has transformed into a brave man who is speaking up for himself to a king. Telemachus would have never been able to feel comfortable asking about his father, if it were not for Athena or the kings. After conversing with kings

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