The quest of Telemachus is portrayed by Homer as the rite of passage of a high born adolescent whose journey of self discovery advances him towards a state of maturity in which he can properly reflect his high birth and lineage.
Unlike the static character of Odysseus, Telemachus is a figure who undergoes constant development throughout the narrative. His quest is an initiation into the heroic world of his father, and a journey which will endow him with the knowledge and virtue necessary to become a generous, just and admirable future monarch.
Maturity as more than Chronology
One of the most significant aspects stressed by Homer throughout the Telemachaid sections of the Odyssey is the idea of duty to family and of upholding the honor of high class and lineage. Telemachus has an immediate responsibility to 'win the praise of men' (p.5) due to fact he is the son of heroic Odysseus, and this results in his quest consisting of two different elements; it is not only a journey for information regarding his lost father, but also a quest to develop as an individual both morally and politically, and to put int practice the heroic qualities which are hereditary to his family line.
Maturity becomes 'more than chronology' (Finley, p87) and Homer's parallel between Telemachus and the suitors makes this clear. Although of good lineage their actions do not properly reflect their noble status, and as Eumaeus states to Antinous, 'you may be noble born but there is nothing noble about your speech.' (p.232)
This can be seen throughout book one as they ignore the entrance of Mentes, while in direct contrast Telemachus immediately adheres to the customary laws of etiquette, acknowledging a strangers status as sacred to Zeus, and is described as being ashamed one 'should be left standing' (p.6)
Morality and Oratory
However books one and two do not only emphasize his duty to his family and the laws of hospitality, they are also important in illustrating his ability as an orator, his increased awareness of morality and his need to understand the value of self control. Oratory is one of the defining characteristics of Odysseus, and an area which Telemachus demonstrates a natural ability.
However he still lacks the self confidence and self control necessary for his arguments to be carried through effectively in the political arena. His attempts to win support are undermined by his lack of self control, and also by the more methodical political arguments of Antinous.
However Book two also portrays his sudden refusal to compromise with the suitors, which demonstrates his moral development from an apathetic boy who took his place among them, to one who understands the nature of their immoral behavior and willingly extradites himself from their company, 'now that I am old enough to learn from others what happened...I will send you all to perdition' (p.23).
Nestor and Menelaus
Developing his understanding in these areas becomes an important part of his journey to visit Nestor and Menelaus in books three and four. Both these figures have important respective functions and these are illustrated by the contrast between their particular households.
Much of book three is centered on the ideals of upholding religion and duty to family, and Nestor is portrayed as an individual who demonstrates a great deal of respect to the gods as well as being a model patriarchal figure.
In contrast, the household of Menelaus is much more dysfunctional, and full of great wealth which is derived from success on the battlefield. The emphasis in book four comes more from defining oneself through warfare and from the material gains of conflict. Although Telemachus learns more about his fathers great prowess on the battle field he is also enlightened about the human cost of conflict, and warned against the dangers of hubris after comparing Menelaus' wealth to that of the gods.
Although specific to a particular society, values such as duty, humility, patience, self control and an overall attainment of greater moral virtue, are ideals which are universally compatible to any cultural context. It is perhaps unsurprising then that Telemachus' quest has been used as a model in the education of early seventeenth century nobleman, and this is a choice which clearly demonstrates the versatility and timeless quality of the ideals portrayed by Homer throughout the Odyssey.
Sources
Homer, The Odyssey, Penguin Classics, 2006
M I Finley, The World of Odysseus, New York Review Books classics, 1978
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