Telemachus' Transformation due to Athena's guidance

Transformation and guidance are both themes of much importance in the beginning of Homer’s The Odyssey.  When we as the readers are introduced to Telemachus, son of Odysseus and Penelope, he is (in my opinion, at least) a character of very little depth and/or description.  I do not believe his he is identified of a certain age, but assuming that he is quite young, it is understandable that he is in a state of unease, considering his current situation of the intruding suitors.   He feels much guilt, and his “heart is obsessed with grief” (1:133)  for what has become of his family’s name and prestige. Yet, he is doing absolutely nothing about any of it. It is clearly stated that he is in fact “Daydreaming [as] he sat among the suitors…” (1:138). How could the prince be sitting, daydreaming with the men who have taken over his family’s halls ? One cause of many could be that he has never learned to stand his ground due to the fact that he has never experienced the reoccurring presence of a dominant figure in his life. We all know that he does not, at this time, have a father. So, clearly, he has been brought up and raised by his mother, Penelope. With out a father or at least a leading male figure constantly taking place in his life, it isn’t too much of a shock to me that Telemachus is, for lack of better words, some what of a coward during the time of panic. It isn’t until we meet Pallas Athena do we see the tougher side of Telemachus with authority.

Athena is the one who more or less forces Telemachus to grow up. It was not against Telemachus will, desire, or anything of that matter. In fact, I belive that he was beyond grateful for having to act his age and act his position. She says "You must not cling to your boyhood any longer -- it's time you were a man." (1: 341- 342) Athena more or less played the role that Telemachus has desired for the longest time: As a father figure. Telemachus becomes aware and acknoledges this as well. He says to Athena: "You've counseled me with so much kindness now, like a father to a son." (1: 354- 355)
Just further on from this point of the story, we see Telemachus' transformation from a timid boy to a courageous leader.