Numerous books exist in the world, presenting to readers various aspects of life. One of the most renowned literary works is the epic The Odyssey that represents the fascinating stories of Odysseus and his son Telemachus (Homer, 1996). While both characters go on complex journeys, Telemachus’s quest reflects the search for one’s identity, showing the growth of a person from a young boy to an experienced man.
While Telemachus has to overcome several struggles on his way, it is important to analyze not the struggles themselves but how they change the character’s personality. At first, Telemachus is portrayed with a “heart obsessed with grief,” daydreaming about his father driving out his mother’s suitors rather than doing something himself (Homer, 1996, p. 6). Telemachus says that he is “not so certain” that he is Odysseus’s son, which may indicate him not being certain of his own identity if his origin is questionable (Homer, 1996, p. 9). While Telemachus does attempt to resist the suitors, he is not taken seriously as some refer to his orders as “tiresome threats” (Homer, 1996, p. 24). Telemachus is also unsure of his decisions, and even when Athena, his Mentor, calls him “brave and adept,” his heart is still “aching” (Homer, 1996, p. 27). Telemachus begins his journey as a person doubtful of his identity and choices.
As the story progress, Telemachus changes gradually with the help of Athena. The goddess encourages him not to be shy, and Telemachus listens to her with “the heart Athena herself inspired” (Homer, 1996, p. 34). With her assistance as well, king Nestor reassures Telemachus that he should never be “a coward or defenseless,” even though the young man starts losing hope, thinking that his father would never return (Homer, 1996, p. 34). However, when Telemachus finally reunites with his father, he says of himself, “you’ll sense the courage inside me,” indicating one of the many changes in his personality (Homer, 1996, p. 273). With support from others, Telemachus becomes a strong and brave man.
To summarize, Telemachus’s journey, during which he encounters various people and situations, promotes changes in his personality. Although he doubts himself throughout the epic, with some assistance from others, Telemachus finds strength in himself as a son of Odysseus. From a young daydreaming man who mostly speaks and gives orders, Telemachus turns into an experienced and skilled person who is not afraid to act and fight.
Reference
Homer. (1996). The Odyssey. (R. Fagles, Trans.). Penguin Classics.