le he was growing up were the suitors and who were not typical role models; they are the opposite of role models. They make a mockery of the heroic values with their constant feasting, drinking, and not respecting the king's household. During this time period having a father figure to grow up to was extremely important, especially to someone in Telemachus' position of having a reputation to develop and live up to. Not having Odysseus around had a large impact on Telemachus. He did not have a male role model at all during his lifetime. His father would have been able to teach him the ways of a hero and Telemachus would have grown up around someone who possessed kleos. From this Telemachus would have seen how he should carry himself and how he should speak and act. For these reasons Telemachus must embark on a journey to get away from the world of women and learn more of his father.
             Telemachus' journey to Pylos and Sparta is a learning and growing experience for him. His journey begins in Book 1 when Athena comes to visit him at the palace in I
             ...