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The Transformation from a Boy to a Man

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The Transformation From a Boy to a Man
In the epic poem, Odyssey by Homer, Telemachus matures from a boy to a man. At first, Telemachus is viewed as a weak little boy. He is considered a coward and a crybaby. Throughout the book Telemachus begins to age and mature and realizes he has a legacy to fulfill. He can no longer be the weakling who let everyone run over him. Telemachus is always on the side of the elders and because of this he is able to grow and implement their characteristics. As the poem progressed, Telemachus was soon referred to as Odysseus’ son, which was an honor because his father was considered such a hero. Later Telemachus was called by Telemachus, his own name excelling beyond his father, becoming a great and powerful man.

Due to his lack of power at the start of the poem, Telemachus is referred to as weak and a coward. Originally he isn’t able to kick out the suitors due to his lack of strength and confidence. As a result of his lack of a backbone, the suitors take advantage of his hospitality and begin to eat him out of house and home. While Athena is trying to give him strength, she says,
He prayed, and Athena was with him
Looking just like Mentor with Mentor’s voice.
Her words flew on Telemachus on wings:
“You won’t turn out to be a fool or a coward
Telemachus, not if any of Odysseus’ spirit
Has been instilled in you.”(2.290-295)
This proved that he was a child in the beginning who needed to grow. He acted like a crybaby who couldn’t mask his innocence. But after listening to Athena’s plan, which is a quality of growing, he soon begins to mature and starts to yell at the suitors. In partnership with Athena, or Mentor, he thought of a plan to kick out the suitors. He thought of three arguments to find Odysseus, even though people didn’t think he could do it. He knew he needed “to kill the suitors in his house” (1.312). The

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