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Telemachus Character Analysis

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Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, started off as an inexperienced, scared young boy due to the lack of presence of a father figure in his life. After many tough experiences, Telemachus developed into a strong, courageous young man. One of the characters that had the most influence on the development of Telemachus is Athena. She helped Telemachus on his journey to finding his father and developed into a young man. The powerful goddess with “flashing sea-gray eyes” (Homer: 2.476), Athena, has had the greatest influence on Telemachus’ growth.
In Book One and Book Two, Athena came to Ithaca to speak with Telemachus with the permission of Zeus and instruct him on what to do as a fatherly figure. Telemachus was raised without a father. He was raised by his mother and the suitors who only had their eyes out for the prosperous …show more content…

Telemachus, who was born and raised Ithaca, never once left his homeland. Athena taught him how to approach people such as King Nestor and King Menelaus. Telemachus timidly says to Athena, “How can I greet him, Mentor, even approach the king? / I’m hardly adept at subtle conversation” (3.24-25). Athena patiently educated, inspired, and encouraged him on saying what he wanted to say. She replies, “Some of the words you’ll find within yourself, the rest some power will inspire you to say” (3.30-31). After approaching King Nestor, Telemachus was able to receive much information about his …show more content…

He is now willing to step out of his comfort zone and take risk after being inspired by Athena. She helped him become the man he is now. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, acts as a father figure, a mentor, and a protector to Telemachus. If Athena never provided guidance and assistances for him, Telemachus would still be a shy young boy, rather than what he is now, a strong, independent, almost god-like

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