Character Analysis Of Telémakhos In Homer's Odyssey

Before Athena appearing as a Mentor, Homer shows Telémakhos as a shy boy who is having difficulties to live up to his father’s legendary reputation. He is shown as detached, lost and confused. Rather than taking an action, Telémakhos kept on complaining about the suitors’ manipulation of Xenia. In order to reach manhood, Athena calls him to action through making him undergo a journey. This journey, through Homer’s words, is not only meant to pave the way for him to mature by the time Odysseus is back, but also to save him from the suitor’s plot to kill him. This passage is supposed to make the young boy possess control over his decisions and over others. To be a man in Homer’s Odyssey is not only for Telémakhos to make decisions and step

Homer using “staggering thing” and “beyond imagination” show his fear of confronting the suitors. Odysseus’ plan to kill the suitors made the young boy overwhelmed, especially that him and Odysseus are going to fight alone. Homer using “staggering” makes him seem as rendered helpless with amazement, and thinking of such a brave thing as “beyond his imagination”, or in other words, beyond his

Homer introducing Odysseus as “who had endured the long war and the sea” in place of “the great tactician” or any other epithets is significant. It reminds the audience of his power and abilities which makes the reader sense that he is really doubting himself not his father. Odysseus asks Telémakhos to “suppose” that they have the protection of Athena and Zeus, then why would he have to make great effort to think about this matter. By providing some assurance to his son with reminding him that not only your great father is on your side but also Athena and Zeus, his tone has changed. The way Odysseus replies to Telémakhos’ concern feels like he is mocking his child for thinking in a cowardly manner which is not man-like to Greeks. Homer now introduces him as “clearheaded” which is a trait given to him by Athena. He wants to remind the readers that because of Athena’s help he is able to think like an adult. But, right after calling him “clearheaded”, Homer describes him as “looked hard”. Homer putting these two descriptions beside each other emphasize on Telémakhos has changed with a god interference but deep down is still doubtful and afraid. His reply to what Odysseus said is interesting. It could mean that the gods are busy and far away but still manage to “rule over” humans from afar. But this interpretation has faith which does not match with the sense of doubt he had moments ago. This sudden