Book nine of the Iliad reveals a crucial resolution of conflict between Agamemnon and Achilleus. However, the resolution has become a failure in spite of the king sending ambassadors who are close to the heart of Achilleus. The Greeks experience serious blows upon several defeats and unsuccessful attempts to subdue the Trojans. It happens as what has been prayed for by Achilleus and his divine mother – Thetis. Zeus has taken side with Achilleus by strengthening the army of the Trojans in order for them to defeat the Greeks. This is in recompense to the decisive action of Agamemnon to take Briseis away from Achilleus. Briseis is the mistress of Achilleus. Agamemnon has done it as a replacement for Chrysies (concubine of Agamemnon), whom he returns
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However, for a man of honor such as Achilleus, there can be no better way to compensate an honor that has been disrespected. For the gifts that Agamemnon intends to give to Achilleus, they only confirm how much wealth and power Agamemnon has. For instance, the twelve race horses and the seven women of Lesbos (9.123 – 127) are part of the spoils that have been looted in a war where Achilleus has fought the bravest and the hardest. However, the best spoils are unfairly distributed (1.163-168). Besides, the seven women of Lesbos (9.123-127) have been part of the spoils which Agamemnon has earlier enjoyed. Moreover, the offer of marriage to one of Agamemnon’s daughter and acceptance on the part of Achilleus will mean submission to the authority and power of Agamemnon, not only as a king, but as well as a father-in-law (to …show more content…
Odysseus tries to convince Achilleus by making him feel guilty in regard to the disheartening conditions of his comrades as they face the battle without Achilleus (9.230-243). He urges Achilleus to fight by rehearsing the pride of Hektor as a guarantee to his honor (9.302-306). Odysseus also convinces Achilleus to lighten up his rage and resolve the disputes between him and Agamemnon, as similar to what his father – Peleus has always reminded him (9.252-259). After counseling Achilleus, Odysseus conveys him the gifts of compensation of Agamemnon. Achilleus rejects the offer and Odysseus appeals to him to consider the pitiful condition of the other Achaians: “But if the son of Atreus is too much hated in your heart, himself and his gifts, at least take pity on all the other Achaians who are afflicted....(9.
However, for a man of honor such as Achilleus, there can be no better way to compensate an honor that has been disrespected. For the gifts that Agamemnon intends to give to Achilleus, they only confirm how much wealth and power Agamemnon has. For instance, the twelve race horses and the seven women of Lesbos (9.123 – 127) are part of the spoils that have been looted in a war where Achilleus has fought the bravest and the hardest. However, the best spoils are unfairly distributed (1.163-168). Besides, the seven women of Lesbos (9.123-127) have been part of the spoils which Agamemnon has earlier enjoyed. Moreover, the offer of marriage to one of Agamemnon’s daughter and acceptance on the part of Achilleus will mean submission to the authority and power of Agamemnon, not only as a king, but as well as a father-in-law (to …show more content…
Odysseus tries to convince Achilleus by making him feel guilty in regard to the disheartening conditions of his comrades as they face the battle without Achilleus (9.230-243). He urges Achilleus to fight by rehearsing the pride of Hektor as a guarantee to his honor (9.302-306). Odysseus also convinces Achilleus to lighten up his rage and resolve the disputes between him and Agamemnon, as similar to what his father – Peleus has always reminded him (9.252-259). After counseling Achilleus, Odysseus conveys him the gifts of compensation of Agamemnon. Achilleus rejects the offer and Odysseus appeals to him to consider the pitiful condition of the other Achaians: “But if the son of Atreus is too much hated in your heart, himself and his gifts, at least take pity on all the other Achaians who are afflicted....(9.