Response to the "Telemachus Needs to be a Man" Post

While I do agree that up until Athena first approaches him, Telemachus seems to be unable to fend for himself, I don't think that is necessarily his fault. In fact, I think his child-like tendencies are, for the most part, the result of circumstance. Think about it-for his entire early life, Telemachus was without any sort of strong, male role model. For years, he was brought up by his mother and nurse, neither of whom could really educate him on manhood. Then there are the suitors, who I think we can safely assume weren't particularly kind or curious to Telemachus. Since no one taught the young Telemachus to stand up for himself and defend his honor, he could do nothing about their cruel ways.

The second point that I want to make here is that after Athena tells Telemachus that the time has come for him to mature,  it seems as though he really takes her words to heart, and there are a few places in the text that I believe strongly support this. The first is that right away, Telemachus responds to Athena's advice by saying "Indeed I will. You have counseled me with so much kindness now, like a father to a son. I won't forget a word" (Book 1, lines 353-354). Now, these words would obviously be meaningless if he didn't follow up with an action, but that is where the second instance comes in. When Penelope comes downstairs, Telemachus quickly sends her back, saying "I hold the reins of power in this house" (Book 1, line 414). We are then told that Penelope is "astonished" (Book 1, line 415), indicating that Telemachus does not usually speak in such a demanding manner. Finally, there is the instance where at last he stands up to the suitors. We are told that after he speaks to them, they were "amazed the prince could speak with so much daring" (Book 1, line 439). Again, this is an example of how Telemachus did indeed heed the words of Athena, and is now a changed, and far more mature person. Granted, he still has a ways to go to really prove himself, but I think that it is very clearly indicated that Telemachus does in fact grasp the concept of maturity.