In every book and story there is a lesson to learn from to help shape the reader's experience. Here we see how the stories influence Odysseus and his son Telemakhos's live.
             Telemakhos is forced to mature at an astounding rate, traveling far from home and risking his life to learn of his father. His trip teaches him more than he could ever have learned staying at home with the suitors. From Nestor and Menelas he learn both courage and bravery, how to be both a man and a host. His perception of how the world unfolds from abstract ideas to pure ideals under their guidance. He learns that he must fight against what the suitors represent, to take his place and not let them take it. Nestor and Manelas guide telemakhos, with Athena's help, toward manhood.
             When Odysseus finally does reach home Telemakhos is the first person he reveals himself to. Their reunion is a very happy one, joy leading to tears. Odysseus immediately treats him like an inferior however, telling Telemakhos his plans and carry them out. This is a role that, perhaps, Telemakhos still deserves, though not by much. After the plans are laid telemakhos is left dirty work, gathering the suitors weapons, while his father gets an idea of the suitor strength. Telemakhos does very well in gathering the arms, keeping the suitor busy, and holding his temper at the mistreatment of his father in his own home. He acts very mature; having learned from the best sources in the land, and keeps a very cool head. He has most definitely changed from the young boy he was.
             Through Telemakhos, a valued father-son relationship is shown. He exemplifies loyalty and devotion to his father. The other important father-son relationship that exhibits love is one between Odysseus and Laertes. Since Odysseus was assumed to be dead, it almost sent Laertes into a kind of depression. When Odysseus returned it gave Laetes an overwhelming happiness. This is a case wh...