Achilles withdraws from battle to show that his rage, (to most) which is useless is needed to win Troy. Agamemmnon tries using his anger to kill Hector, but Achilles can see right through. Only the death of Patroclus can trigger him
Odysseus is smart, he knows Achilles much better than we do, so he adds to Agamemnon's proposal with,
"[If you come fight, we] the Acheans will honor you like a god" (9.302)
Risking death in war to win glory is mortal activity, but sitting back and watching the battle is a divine pleasure. Agamemnon is concerned with honor, not pleasure--but Achilles admits that wrath is "far sweeter than honey, trickling down" overwhelming "even the wise". (16.108-110)
How can anyone assume that Achilles would be satisfied by a direct emotional "apology" from King Agamemnon? How can we assume that Achilles would be so happy to welcome Agamemnon at his tent with open arms and the same hospitality he welcomed his "most beloved friends"? If Achilles really loved the girl then wouludn't he just jump at the chance to get her back, especially since he's been longing for war and battle since Book 1?
Achilles withdraws from battle to show that his rage, (to most) which is useless is needed to win Troy. Agamemmnon tries using his anger to kill Hector, but Achilles can see right through. Only the death of Patroclus can trigger him
rogueshdw 2 years ago
really interesting discussion, especially the guy at 8:40.
I like these videos of yours
ranice 4 years ago
who fuckin cares?
buck70mf 4 years ago
Odysseus is smart, he knows Achilles much better than we do, so he adds to Agamemnon's proposal with,
"[If you come fight, we] the Acheans will honor you like a god" (9.302)
Risking death in war to win glory is mortal activity, but sitting back and watching the battle is a divine pleasure. Agamemnon is concerned with honor, not pleasure--but Achilles admits that wrath is "far sweeter than honey, trickling down" overwhelming "even the wise". (16.108-110)
KleosAphthiton 5 years ago
You guys are so full of it.
KleosAphthiton 5 years ago
How can anyone assume that Achilles would be satisfied by a direct emotional "apology" from King Agamemnon? How can we assume that Achilles would be so happy to welcome Agamemnon at his tent with open arms and the same hospitality he welcomed his "most beloved friends"? If Achilles really loved the girl then wouludn't he just jump at the chance to get her back, especially since he's been longing for war and battle since Book 1?
KleosAphthiton 5 years ago