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Nestor's personality and character

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Examine Nestor's personality and character. What distinguishes him from other characters who serve as storytellers during the course of the narrative? What distinguishing features mark his speech? What is the general impression of his character that is given in the Odyssey? What means does Homer employ in order to achieve this impression?

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Nestor's personality and character traits are anaylzed.

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In Homer, Nestor was an Argonaut, Nestor was a revered hero who helped fight the centaurs, the Clydonian boar, and on the side of the Achaeans in the Trojan War. He was said to be old when the war began, but was noted for not only bravery, but his fine oration. For Homer, Nestor seems to be the wise sage, older and respected enough to demand that his words be considered - and one of the few than can safety lecture Agamemnon and Achilles. Too, as many older politicians tend to be, Nestor is often long-winded and pompous, providing some comic relief in the otherwise traditional speech patterns.

Homer does use Nestor as a hero - and as the oldest Achaean commander, his great wisdom holds him above all others as a hero. In his role as a storyteller and counselor, he provides motivation for the Achaeans. The advice given by Nestor is extremely useful in battle due to his wisdom and many years of experience as a warrior. His stories and advice are sage and are followed by those who are in positions of power. He puts forward many well thought-out plans, such as convincing the Achaean army to build fortifications around its ships. He wakes the Greek soldiers to propose a mission on which Odysseus and Diomedes kill Dolon and a number of Thracian soldiers, to gain useful insights ...

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