In class over the last few days, we repeatedly touched on the question of whether Telemachus was a hero in the literary sense. For the most part, these discussions were premised upon the first five books of the poem being, in essence, a separate story, of which Telemachus would be the hero. Obviously we cannot use evidence from anywhere beyond that as none of us have read that far (you know, probably), but perhaps it would be beneficial or even required to do so. Telemachus's heroism, though a basis is laid for it at the beginning, would have to be affirmed and legitimized by his actions later in the book.
I think that basically everything that Telemachus has done so far is merely part of the call to adventure, and his journey has not yet begun. Athena comprised the greatest portion of the call, and Telemachus went through trying to reject it with his initial reluctance and then his uncertainty in himself later on. However, as yet all he has done is travel around, be treated royally as a guest, and ask people questions. Even more contrary, his questions have all had to do with when/if his father, a proven "hero," will return and take care of things for him. While it is true that he has been becoming more of the prince that he is supposed to be, I would argue that this is still just becoming "ordinary life" for him - this is almost something he should have been doing all along, and will continue to do once life returns to normal.
Rather than his heroism or lack thereof being already proven, I think that what happens in later chapters will truly define the answer to the question of whether Telemachus is a hero or not. If the suitors waiting to ambush him are driven off or defeated by an outside force, if Telemachus simply returns home to await the return of his father, if Odysseus handles the suitors single-handedly, I would call Telemachus's bid at being a hero of his own story over. If, however, Telemachus deals with the ambush himself, if he takes action even before his father's return, if he figures as a player and not merely a spectator after Odysseus's return, then perhaps he is a hero after all.
Interestingly, if Telemachus does what we must do to identify him as hero or mere character, he is probably the latter.
Very interesting analysis of the first books as a preface to Telemachus' journey rather than the beginning through completion. I agree with your argument that Telemachus hasn't faced any real challenges, and although he travels, encounters nothing like what Odysseus worms his way out of later in Books 7 and 8. It's good perception not to deny Telemachus the role of hero, but rather set him up for a hero's journey of his own.
ReplyDeleteNow that we have read a bit further, I don't think Telemachus can be considered a hero. Although he does help Odysseus plot to get rid of the suitors, he sort of follows Odysseus's lead, and still doesn't take charge himself. The only situation in which he does take the lead is when he rebukes his mother, and to me that seems more disrespectful than anything.
ReplyDeleteDevin I definitely agree. Telemachus isn't really much of a hero. The problem is that he doesn't really think for himself that much. He is always following his father rather than really contributing ideas to his plot. The only thing he really has going for him is his ability to stand up against the suitors.
ReplyDeleteSince we've nearly finished the book, I would agree that Telemachus doesn't seem like a hero. I was expecting him to become one because he goes on this journey to find his father, but Telemachus doesn’t really do anything on his own both during and after this trip. He does have this new found confidence (thanks to Athena) which he displays to the suitors, but other than that, he just waits to be told what to do next. In this sense, Telemachus is more like a sidekick than a hero.
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