How Does Odysseus Use Ethos In The Iliad

In Homer’s Iliad, Achilles’s rage is a major element of the plot, as he withdraws from battle based on spite, essentially, when the Achaeans desperately need his help. Agamemnon therefore sends an embassy consisting of Ajax, Phoenix, and Odysseus to convince him to return. Odysseus in particular is often described by Homer as a “tactician,” one who is generally calm and logical; his speech somewhat reflects these aspects of his personality in that he skillfully uses rhetorical strategies such as logos and subtle pathos in order to appeal to Achilles. Odysseus begins his speech with a benediction, stating “[to] your health, Achilles!” (9.269) While this is simply a means of praising Achilles, there is a distinct, vaguely ironic contrast between …show more content…
He also seems to flatter Achilles, calling him “bred by the gods”; the idea of Achilles being godlike occurs throughout the passage. After this, Odysseus personifies their situation, saying “that is what we are staring in the face, and we are afraid...all hangs in the balance now.” (9.276-9.277) This declaration presents said situation as dire and imminent, and, although his admittance of fear comes across as a last resort, he is not dishonestly presenting the Achaeans as stoic and unafraid. Such sincerity may be a method of making his argument more effective (even if it may not necessarily be as “honorable”). The phrase “all hangs in the balance now” implies that Achilles could make a profound difference, which could appeal to his potential desire for power over his grudge against …show more content…
After a short break, he says “up with you, now, late as it is, if you want to pull our Argives, our hard-hit armies, clear of the Trojan onslaught. ” (9.298-9.300) This is a direct call to action; Odysseus’s reference to the timing adds a greater sense of urgency, and his repeated use of “our” may be another appeal to Achilles’s patriotism. The use of the phrase “Trojan onslaught” may be meant to make Achilles feel more threatened, as it depicts the Trojans as one dangerous mass rather than a group of individuals. He then rhetorically asks “fail us now? What a grief it will be to you through all the years to come. No remedy, no way to cure the damage once it’s done.” (9.301-9.303) This in itself is a threat to Achilles; the “grief” and “damage” Odysseus discusses is in reference to his reputation. In the ancient world, there was an immense emphasis on cultivating honor, and the most common way to do so was through the display of courage and strength in war - Achilles’s refusal to participate would therefore be a hindrance to gaining a positive reputation. “Through all the years to come” may refer to his legacy as well as his image while he is still alive. Odysseus then implores “come, while there’s still time, think hard: how can you fight off the Argives’ fatal day?” (9.304-9.305) He once again establishes an urgent tone with the use of the phrase “while there’s still time,” and his question directly addresses Achilles,