After much of the war has gone on for quiet some time, the warriors of Troy begin to realise their weakness and see the end of the battle is nearing, with their defeat. As they realise this, they also finally see their need for the great warrior Achilles, having great victories in previous battles.
Agamemnon sees it best to convince Achilles to return to battle alongside the Trojans, acknowledging that they may lose without him. Agamemnon knows of Achilles emotional, rage-filled pride might get in the way of his return. He sends the best of his officers to go to Achilles to convince him to return to battle, along with great gifts (timé) to aid their oratory. Agamemnon selectively chooses Ajax, Odysseus, and Phoenix to go to Achilles' tent.
Upon arrival, Achilles prepares the three a magnificent feast, providing great hospitality. Later in the night, they speak business, the three visitors bring the gifts to Achilles and Agamemnon's message. He initially declines, but then Phoenix, an old friend of Achilles, reminded him of his options, either live and lose honour and glory, or die and gain much of them. He still abstains, committed to his stubbornness and pride.
Yes, as we have discussed in class, Book 9 is a very important moment in the unfolding of the larger narrative as our sympathies shift away from Achilles. It is Phoenix's speech, with its appeal to other stories from the past to supplement his arguments that accomplish this shift so firmly in the mind of the reader/ audience. Achilles's refusal to accept Agamemnon's formal offer of time, coupled with Phoenix's invocation of the gods as evidence of those who bestow forgiveness and able to change their minds, causes Achilles lose his "heroic" status and move into the arena of ruinous pride. His "kleos" hangs in the balance.
ReplyDelete