First Four Books Telemakhos Maturity example essay topic

Telemakhos' Personal Odyssey A primary example of personal and emotional growth through a remarkable event is apparent in one of Homer's most famous novels, The Odyssey. The Odyssey is reveals a series of great adventures that crosses upon Odysseus' path as he returns home from the Trojan War. Although The Odyssey, was named for the great warrior, Odysseus it cannot be solely regarded as the experience of one person. It is mainly Odysseus's on, Telemakhos who displays the growth in intellect, responsibility, maturity, and courage. Thus, though the novel revolves mainly around Odysseus it is his son, Telemakhos who gains the most personally through this experience. This is most evident through the first four books of The Odyssey.

Aside from functioning as an introduction to The Odyssey, the first four books also serves to follow Telemakhos' personal development and to exhibit his growing maturity. The first few books illustrate the growth of Telemakhos' character. Telemakhos' father has never had a chance to spend time with him during his younger years. Thus, in the absence of a father figure, Athena's character serves as a guide to Telemakhos.

She gives him the courage and the encouragement that he needs to search for his father. In Book I, it is apparent that the scene is chaos caused by the suitors in Telemakhos' home. Upon arriving at the scene, Athena says, "What gathering, what feast is this? Why here? ... How arrogant they seem".

She encourages for Telemakhos to speak out to the suitors. Although Telemakhos was hesitant he ultimately found the courage to speak to them. Using his newfound courage, he firmly told called the suitors, "You suitors of my mother! Insolent men, now we have dined, let us have entertainment and no more shouting... you are to leave this hall". For the first time, Telemakhos has the daringness to demand for the suitors to leave and this sudden change of behavior by Telemakhos takes the suitors by surprise.

Hence, Athena is one of the major catalysts for Telemakhos' personal and emotional growth. From the conclusion of Book I, it is evident that Telemakhos is beginning his transformation and that he is an important participant in the adventures that occur in The Odyssey. As the story progresses, it becomes more apparent that Telemakhos' character matures. In Book II, Telemakhos demonstrates his courage and power once again by telling the suitors to leave by asking them, "Where is your indignation? Where is your shame?" Furthermore, Telemakhos expresses his sadness of losing his father and the deterioration of his family, home and life. He develops and matures from his initial weakness with the suitors and transforms himself into the authoritative man of the house.

In this scenario, Telemakhos begins to become more mature because he is taking responsibility. The actions that Telemakhos takes are clues that foreshadow his continuing transformation to manhood. An example of this is during the assembly, which occurs in Book II, during this event, Telemakhos takes his father's seat and he is not challenged by anyone. Telemakhos sees his father as a role model for the man he wants to become. He recognizes this when Nestor praises the bravery of Odysseus, through hearing the heroic tales of his father Telemakhos naturally becomes inspired to mature and become the hero that his father was. Telemakhos' journey to Nestor is one of growth and learning.

Nestor is helpful to Telemakhos and he learns how to speak with elders and how sacrifices are made. In the first four books Telemakhos' maturity continues to grow and this occurs through the inspiration stories he hears from Nestor, Menelaos, and Helen. He learns that he must fight against what the suitors represent, to take his place and not let them take it. Telemakhos' miniature odyssey occurs concurrently with Odysseus' greater journey.

Telemakhos' journey at the beginning of the poem revolves around the aim of searching for maturity and responsibility. Telemakhos is forced to grow and mature at a remarkable rate. In this life changing experience, he travels far from home and risks his life to learn of his father and to find him. Ultimately, his trip in the first four books teaches him more than he could ever have at home with the suitors. Telemakhos become more like his father, in every respect through the guidance of Athena, Nestor, and Menelaos. By the end of the first four books of The Odyssey, Telemakhos has matured into a new man and taken a big leap towards manhood.