The Odyssey  Book 3 "King Nestor Remembers" pp. 107-123 Book 3: Reading Comprehension Quiz 1. Why is Telemachus embarrased to speak upon arrival in Pylos? 2. How does he overcome his fear (aidos)? 3. How does Telemachus earn kleos in Nestor's eyes? 4. Where was Menelaus blown in the great storm? 5. How does Mentor/ Athena depart, revealing her divinity? Extra Credit: define kleos and xenia. Class Writing Exercise: Choose a partner and work in pairs to discover Homer's purpose in Book Three of The Odyssey.Using the schematic below, write an essay about what Telemachus achieves during his visit with Nestor at his palace on Pylos.  - How does Telemachus learn to overcome aidos? - How is this fear representative of deeper doubts in Telemachus' confidence?  - How does taking a courageous step help him in his ability to practice the art of xenia?  Find good quotes and specific moments in the text to support your argument. Book 3 : Schematic 1. Telemachus arrival in Pylos: the huge beach party 2. Telemachus' aidos at speech making/ Mentor's encouragement 3. Xenia of Arrival 4. Athena's Prayer 5. Telemachus' Speech 6. Nestor's long winded reply - tribute to the dead - giving Telemachus kleos - sequel to The Iliad - the example of Orestes 7. Telemachus broaches the subject of problems at home. - Nestor mentions Athena's love for Odysseus. - Telemachus suggests that even the gods cannot help him. - Athena rebukes Telemachus. - Telemachus remains unconsoled. 8. Nestor's advice. - Death of Agamemnon - Menelaus delayed in Egypt. - Death of Aegisthus 9. Athena's advice and exit 10. The Sacrifice to Athena 11. Telemachus' exit Telemachus' Education in Xenia at Pylos: Overcoming Aidos - Outside of the corrupt influences of his home, Telemachus learns the proper modes of behavior for a civilized man. Only by risking action can a man learn of his true nature and earn the respect of other men. Outside of Ithaca, in the world of heroes who have returned from war, men fully honor the gods and understand their designs. The rights of xenia are acknowledged.  - Telemachus leaves home to become a man.  - Odysseus must return home to re-establish his identity.  - Telemachus must show that he is his father'' son- beloved of Athena- to earn kleos. - Odysseus' challenge is far more complex. - Nestor, the senior statesman among those who fought at Troy, is beloved of the gods. His return was safe and uneventful. Although Nestor can give Telemachus precious little news of his father's whereabouts, he does demonstrate the proper modes of behavior in the world of Telemachus' father.  - The sacrifices honoring Poseidon and Athena, performed at the proper time and in the proper way, are vital to the well being of both the individual and the state. - Nestor's pious behavior is an enormous contrast to the barbarism in Ithaca.  - His words and example- and those of his son Pesistratos- teach Telemachus the vital importance of etiquette:  - respect for strangers,  - deference to elders,  - tactful wats to put difficult questions  - and sensitivity to the influence and beneficence of the gods. - Nestor recognizes Telemachus' eloquence and tells him of his father's prowess as a public speaker. He teaches him of Athena's particular concern for Odysseus and reminds him of the importance of decisive, courageous action- using Orestes, the avenger of Agamemnon, as an example. He strongly encourages Telemachus to return home quickly- before his house can be destoyed, but he also suggests that Telemachus briefly continue on to Sparta to visit Menelaus, a man whose experience is far more similar to Odysseus' and would also be more likely to have heard direct news of him. Finally, Nestor recognizes Athena's divine exit. Her presence is proof that Telemachus' pessimism is wholly unfounded. Her presence has done honor to Nestor's home, and he arranges an elaborate sacrifice in her honor for the following day. - Telemachus' behavior in this episode demonstrates his development through stages to maturity. Athena's influence is paramount at first, but as Telemachus speaks with Nestor, he gains confidence and insight into the arts of conversation. It is the hero's job to speak well. To do so Telemachus must overcome aidos- anxiety at public disapproval.  - Athena provides reassurance, a model and courage to Telemachus in the initial stages of his visit to Pylos. - Pesistratos, Nestor's son, is also an obvious role model for Telemachus. He demonstrates an initial lesson in etiquette- deference to an elder (l. 40).  - When Telemachus speaks with Nestor (l.44), he expresses his pessimism, but the style of his speech is good. He lays claim to Odysseus' past.  - In his reply Nestor marvels (l.132) at how much Telemachus sounds like Odysseus. After recounting the story of his return, Nestor tells of Orestes' revenge and mentions how Telemachus is tall and well set up. (l. 215).  - When Nestor speaks of the revenge Odysseus will wreak upon the suitors, Telemachus responds that "it could not be- even if the gods willed it." (l. 245). This blasphemy is corrected vigorously by Athena- she is so angry that she nearly reveals her identity.  - The bath that Telemachus is given prior to the feast (l. 510) marks the completion of the first stage of his journey. Telemachus no longer needs Athena as confidant or guide.