The Importance Of Maturation In Homer's Odyssey

When rushing head first into solving a problem, it is unlikely that a thought out course of action has been developed. This lack of planning can lead to unfortunate issues that could have been avoided with proper time spent creating a game plan. Most children are unable to see long term repercussions, allowing them the freedom of diving into their own ball pit of problems. However, adults are able to see the big picture, creating a sense of need for careful planning. In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus’ retelling of his journey shows maturation in his character, from hasty doer to thoughtful strategist, that is paralleled in Telemachus’ growth from the shy boy in the beginning to the proactive man in the end. Adults that make proud decisions …show more content…
The path to maturity occurs at different speeds and in different ways for every individual. Both Telemachus and Odysseus mature over the course of The Odyssey, though in separate and distinct ways. Telemachus matures in the typical coming of age fashion, while Odysseus, an adult at the beginning of the novel, matures in the ability to rationalize. Telemachus’ journey would not have been possible had it not been for Odysseus’ homecoming, and Odysseus’ homecoming would not have been possible if Odysseus had not learned to conquer his pride and think before acting throughout his adventure. Both Odysseus and Telemachus go through the journey of maturation, allowing for a successful purging of the palace in the conclusion of the epic. In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus’ progression in calming pride and increasing rationality is paralleled in Telemachus’ growth from boy to man. Without the maturation of either, the end battle would not have ended on a positive note. Odysseus and Telemachus demonstrate that maturation is the inevitable journey that must occur to become a strong person that is there for others and that is able to take care of