In the first four books of Homer's Odyssey, the character of Telemachus undergoes a dramatic evolution. When Homer first introduces him, he appears as a simple young man, wallowing in self-pity. After the intervention of the goddess Athena, he apparently becomes a courageous, strong and determined man. But on closer inspection, one might wonder if this transformation is real. The rapidity of his personality change and the assistance he requires from the goddess at each stage of his journey suggest that he is not yet a hero in the manner of his father, the great Odysseus. The reader first finds the character of Telemachus sitting among the suitors in his father's palace. This seemingly unimportant detail provides information about his temperament. The suitors, whom Homer presents as malicious usurpers, continue to benefit from Telemachus' hospitality. Instead of defending his house, his mother and his possessions against these men, Telemachus is among them. This lack of confidence shows his fragility and helplessness in the face of overwhelming circumstances. At this point, Athena, disguised as Mentes, Odysseus' old friend, visits Telemachus in order to “inspire courage in his heart” (I.105). The two share a meal and engage in a long conversation. The goddess discusses how Telemachus should deal with troublesome suitors and suggests a journey to try to determine the whereabouts of Odysseus. The conversation immediately seems to galvanize the young man's determination. In fact, immediately after his departure, he finds the courage to confront the suitors, demanding that they leave his house immediately. The confidence shown by Telemachus in this case is a radical departure from the middle of paper...for war and fierce debate” (IV.920-921). Telemachus himself shows anxiety when he weighs “his mind on the path traced by Athena” (II.506). By the end of book four, the reader is left with the sense that Telemachus is good and, in all likelihood, virtuous. young man. It is assumed that Athena would not have bothered to support his cause if this had not been the case. However, by the time he reached Sparta, he was still untested. Athena tells him where to go and who to meet, she teaches him what to say, and she even prepares him physically for the role. It is suspected that there will likely be trials ahead for him. Athena tells Telemachus that his actions will be a combination of instinct and divine guidance. One can only hope, if the goddess is not at his side, that these instincts will accompany him in these struggles to come..