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Telemachus Mature In The Odyssey

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Since the beginning of time, children have grown and matured. Their development may come from many influences from people all around, some having a more significant impact than others. In Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, Telemachus, the young prince of Ithaca, is troubled with a missing father, Odysseus, whom he has never seen in his lifetime. He spends his childhood living with suitors, who beg for his mother, Penelope's, hand in marriage. He watches them drain his riches, eating and living gratuitously. From above in Olympus, Athena, the goddess of wisdom, watches Telemachus suffer from all his adversities. Feeling remorse for the child, she begs Zeus to permit her to go to Ithaca and guide Telemachus. Telemachus' growth from a child to a mature adult is largely influenced by Athena’s teachings and advice. She inspires him to be more like his father, Odysseus, provokes him by comparing him to his more outstanding peer, Prince Orestes, …show more content…

Upon seeing him at first sight, Athena immediately exclaims, "'you're truly Odysseus' son? You've sprung up so!/ Uncanny resemblance ... the head, and the fine eyes'" (Homer 1.240-241). After describing to Telemachus his remarkable resemblance of Odysseus, Athena goes on to tell Telemachus of Odysseus' heroic accomplishments and his contributions to Greece's victory in Troy. As the son of a hero of the Trojan War, Telemachus is inspired to not only resemble his father physically but also through his actions. In addition to emboldening Telemachus, Athena also hints to Telemachus what Odyessus would do if he was in the palace, by saying "'he'd lay hands on all these brazen suitors . . . a blood wedding, a quick death would take the lot'"(Homer 1.297,308). Not only did her wise words illuminate Telemachus, but also influenced him to act more like his

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