Telemakhos Character Analysis

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Homer’s Odyssey takes place years after the conclusion of the Trojan War. King Odysseus of Ithaca was sent to fight in the Trojan War due to an alliance with King Menelaus of Sparta. He was held captive by Calypso and unable to return. His absence back home has had adverse effects on his homeland, especially his family. However, the absence of Odysseus has had the largest effect on Telemakhos, his son whom he left as a newborn. Because he didn’t have a father to show him the ways of the world growing up, he has become insecure and unable to lead in his current state. In Book IV of the poem, it is shown how broken Telemakhos is, and how much he needs his father. Regardless, his eloquence, natural bravery (partially due to his father’s genes), and his respect for his elders and superiors compensate for Odysseus’s absence. Telemakhos, being the son of Odysseus, is the prince of Ithaca. Within Book IV, he travels outside of his homeland in search of news of his father. This alone is significant in itself because it is implied that Telemakhos has had few, if any, voyages outside Ithaca. His voyage is a symbol of him reaching manhood by himself, and how he is beginning to get ready to be king. He has a strong will and is extremely dedicated, with a passion for the truth. Early on in Book IV, Telemakhos made his way to the palace of Menelaus. Eteoneus, a companion to Menelaus, was the first to see Telemakhos and Nestor’s son, whom he described as “nobly born Akhaians” (IV.29). This description can represent the way Telemakhos holds himself along with other body language. In lines 159-161, King Menelaus recognizes Telemakhos as well. Telemakhos resembles his father, which means that he is old enough to be considered a man. Telemakhos walks with pride and power in his stride and dresses in decent clothes, which makes him come off as elegant. He also came off as “gentle”

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