The Growth Of Telemachus In Homer's Odyssey
As they grow older, most everybody also grows more mature and experienced in the world. Some people are aided in their journeys by people who have already have experience in the world. During the first four books of The Odyssey, by Homer, Telemachus grows more mature, stimulated by what he learns from Nestor and Menelaus, from Athena, and about himself. Athena has made it her mission to inspire Telemachus with bravery and courage, so that he can grow up to be a man. Initially, Telemachus is shy and timid, unable to stand up to those above him. In an effort to make Telemachus rise above his tormentors, Athena says, “Oh how much you need Odysseus, gone so long—how he’d lay hands on all these brazen suitors!...if only that Odysseus sported
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The most important lessons one learns always come from within, so each of Telemachus’ discoveries has all the bigger impact on him. As he takes his stand against the suitors, “Odysseus’s son rejoiced; the boy could sit no longer---fired up to speak, he took his stand among the men” (1.98). As he takes the stand, he realizes that he really does have the ability to be brave. The first time doing something is always the hardest, and knowing that it is possible always helps. So after this speech, Telemachus discovers courage within himself, and this is one of the most important things he learns about himself. The second thing Telemachus learns about himself is told to him by another, who tells him, “Dear boy—never fear you’ll be a coward or defenseless, not if at your age the gods will guard you so” (3.119). Telemachus learns that he is under the protection of the gods; therefore he is of utmost importance. IN addition he learns that he has courage built within him by the gods. Furthermore, he learns that he can never be truly alone or helpless. With knowledge of security comes confidence, and knowing that he is worthy of the gods protection also helps him. Now that Telemachus feels safe he can continue to grow and mature as the story goes on. Inside and outside himself, Telemachus discovers courage on confidence which push him along on his
The most important lessons one learns always come from within, so each of Telemachus’ discoveries has all the bigger impact on him. As he takes his stand against the suitors, “Odysseus’s son rejoiced; the boy could sit no longer---fired up to speak, he took his stand among the men” (1.98). As he takes the stand, he realizes that he really does have the ability to be brave. The first time doing something is always the hardest, and knowing that it is possible always helps. So after this speech, Telemachus discovers courage within himself, and this is one of the most important things he learns about himself. The second thing Telemachus learns about himself is told to him by another, who tells him, “Dear boy—never fear you’ll be a coward or defenseless, not if at your age the gods will guard you so” (3.119). Telemachus learns that he is under the protection of the gods; therefore he is of utmost importance. IN addition he learns that he has courage built within him by the gods. Furthermore, he learns that he can never be truly alone or helpless. With knowledge of security comes confidence, and knowing that he is worthy of the gods protection also helps him. Now that Telemachus feels safe he can continue to grow and mature as the story goes on. Inside and outside himself, Telemachus discovers courage on confidence which push him along on his