In the beginning of the Odyssey, Homer illustrated Telemachus as a shy and defenseless teenager. He brainstorms ideas that would be auspicious for him and his mother, but is not able to convince himself to take action. Mentor pushes Telemachus to talk to King Nestor in regards towards his father, Odysseus. However, Telemachus, being the shy teenager he is, responds, "I'm hardly adept at subtle conversation. Someone my age might feel shy" (Book 3: 25-26). As Telemachus continues his journey to find his father, his sensitivity is noticed by King Menelaus when Telemachus decides to leave his parting gifts in the King's glory. King Menelaus responds "Good blood runs in you... your words are proof" (Book 4: 87). Although changes in Telemachus are seen, there are also changes for the bad. Telemachus is depicted as an insensible teenager. He expects his mother to forgive and trust his father as soon as she sees him. He insults his mother by saying her heart "was always harder than a rock" (Book 23: 117). However, Odysseus did not expect much from Penelope other than a talk. Although Telemachus' sensitivity evolves from some to none, it was only based on the circumstances. In the end, Telemachus is seen as a brave grown man by slaughtering the suitors one by one in companionship with his father, Athena and Zeus. Telemachus is both tested for courage and sensitivity in search for his father.
-Alondra Reyes and Jack Schuette
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