The Maturity Of Telemachus In The Odyssey

Growing up in a questionable situation can be difficult for anyone. Telemachus has been raised without his father, a lost man whose location and status are unknown, and is now facing an assortment of struggles through uninvited guests and complicated circumstances that are testing him and his abilities. Through the first four books of Homer’s The Odyssey, Telemachus is able to set up the story for the rest of Homer’s tale. He experiences predicaments of his own as the journey begins. However, the purpose of the writing goes beyond an introduction; he himself undergoes character maturity. In this section of The Odyssey, Telemachus is learning about the world and society through Athena as a mentor, the suitors’ actions as guests, and the stories

about his father.
As a child grows into becoming an adult, and everything that goes along with such a title, a parent figure is often present to guide him or her in the right direction and to encourage in the ways of honor.

For Telemachus, the usual leadership from his father is nonexistent due to Odysseus’s absence through misfortune. If there were no outside intervention from a concerned spectator, he may have missed his opportunity to take a stand and have control of his situation. Athene, the daughter of Zeus, stepped in to be his guiding force and mentor by instructing Telemachus to, “call the Achaean heroes in assembly tomorrow morning- lay your case before them, and call heaven to bear you witness,” and, “take the best ship you can get, with a crew of twenty men, and go in quest of your father who has been so long missing” (10). Athene stepped in in order to instruct Telemachus of what must be done. Had she not arrived at dinner that evening, he may have continued to live only in hope of Odysseus’s return rather than actively seeking answers. As a child, he waits for what he wants. As a man, he is ready to travel and discover for himself. Telemachus is learning how to stand up for what he believes in and the answers he hopes to

obtain.
Being civilized and having manners are typically traits expected of a guest, whether invited or not. As Telemachus discovers, this can be a more complicated issue when the suitors treat his home as their own, or worse. Telemachus states, “day by day they keep hanging about my father’s house, sacrificing our oxen, sheep, and fat goats for their banquets, and never giving so much as a thought to the quantity of wine they drink” (16). The way these men are treating not only Odysseus’s home but also his possessions and livestock is enough to make any disgruntled host even more enraged. Without even leaving his household Telemachus is getting a glimpse at the worst parts of civilization and the people contained within it. On the other hand, as he begins to travel in search of answers, he witnesses a very different definition of how others conduct themselves in a host’s household. In Book 4, Telemachus visits Menelaus who is entertaining guests of his own. “So the neighbors and kinsmen of Menelaus were feasting and making merry in his house. There was a bard also to sing to them and play his lyre, while two tumblers went about performing in the midst of them when the man struck up with his tune” (41). The scene Homer describes is a stark contrast to the setting of Telemachus’ home. Here, with Menelaus, guests are invited and appreciated; they come to dinner not to steal from the host but to enjoy his company. This similar situation can be observed when Telemachus visits Nestor who treats him with care though he is a stranger (28). Telemachus is beholding two very diverse venues and thus learning about civilization and what it means to be civilized. No one experience is standard; as he goes through life, Telemachus will have to deal with a varying group of men. However, in this short period of time, he is learning more about the world and who is contained within it through experiences.
The opportunity to learn from a person wiser than one’s self is beneficial for a variety of reasons, depending on the information received.

Telemachus had the chance to listen to Menelaus tell his story, as well as that of Odysseus. Menelaus said he had, “covered himself with wounds and bruises, dressed himself all in rags, and entered the enemy’s city looking like a menial or a beggar, and quite different from when he was among his own people. In this disguise he entered the city of Troy, and no one said anything to him” (47). In the most literal sense, Telemachus is hearing of his father’s endeavors and eventually his current whereabouts. However, he is receiving more than just this information. He is being informed of a tale of his father’s strength and determination; Odysseus changed his appearance and played a part in order to return to his camp safely. He outwitted those around him and made an educated decision rather than a foolish one. Telemachus can hear these stories of how intelligent and cunning his father is, and likewise learn how to act himself. As he listened to the truth about Odysseus’s victories small and large alike, Telemachus gained important knowledge about how to succeed when the odds may not be in his

favor.
The world can be a dangerous and confusing place. There are disorderly visitors, arrogant and competitive gods with vengeance in mind, and men seeking the title of hero through whatever means necessary. Regardless, the challenges one faces are often lessons to be learned. Telemachus has his share of trouble even before the account began. However, as he encounters friends and foes throughout his story, Telemachus grows as a person and expands his knowledge of humankind and society.