Telemachus’ Coming of Age In the book, “The Odyssey”, Telemachus is the son of the main character, Odysseus. Since around the time when Telemachus was born, Odysseus was off fighting a lengthy war in Troy, which left Telemachus to take care of his mother without a fatherly character to help him. Although the war only lasted ten years, Odysseus has returned for twenty years. Many suitors see this as an opportunity to ask for Penelope’s hand in marriage, and are able to enter the house whenever they want because of the laws of Xenia, or hospitality. In the beginning of the story, Telemachus reveals himself as not being very tenacious through his negativity and complaining, letting the suitors take advantage of him, and being weaker than his foils. By the end of the end of book four, he reveals a tougher man. Pisistratus is one of Telemachus’ foils, and Telemachus proves himself weaker than him after going to Pylos. When Pisistratus is introduced into the story, he is described as the “captain of armies”, while Telemachus is not referred to in any similar way (120). Pisistratus gives off positive vibes by showing hospitality through the laws of Xenia, and being …show more content…
One prime example of Telemachus’ complaining is when he is extremely adverse about whether or not his father will return from war, saying things like “[his return] is inconceivable now” and that, “The Gods have sealed his death”, which is a sign of giving up on his father and the possibility of his return (115). Telemachus being a wimp in not believing in his father is a strong sign of negativity, and if it continues, will for sure symbolize his defeat to the suitors. He shows signs of improvement when he goes on a journey with Athena, because as he begins to learn more about what happened to his father, he gains more positivity that Odysseus will