Paper Summary:

The paper describes how, in Book 9 of Homer's "Iliad," Achilles rejects Agamemnon's ambassadors' attempt to get him to end his feud with Agamemnon and rejoin the war against Troy. The paper details the dialogue between Achilles and Ulysses, Phoenix and Ajax, and highlights how Achilles' responses to all three ambassadors make it clear that he feels that Agamemnon has not treated him fairly or with respect.

From the Paper:

"In Book 9 of the Iliad, Achilles rejects the offers made by three of Agamemnon's ambassadors in an attempt to get him to end his feud with Agamemnon and rejoin the war against Troy, because Achilles feels that Agamemnon has dishonored him. When Agamemnon is discussing his apology to Achilles with his ambassadors, they discuss Achilles' temperament, and agree that Agamemnon's offer to Achilles should be extravagant, because Achilles is known for his having a bad temper and being somewhat stubborn. It is that official offer that Ulysses brings to Achilles, coupled with a detailed description of the destruction threatening the Achaeans. Achilles rejects Ulysses offer, suggesting that Agamemnon was cowardly in battle, but rewarded all of the other warriors except for Achilles. At this point Phoenix, who helped raise Achilles when he was a child, makes his plea for Achilles to stay. Phoenix reminds Achilles of all that he has done for him, and tells Achilles that he will not be acting in an honorable manner if he rejects Agamemnon's offer. Achilles responds to Phoenix that he does not need such honor from the gods, and threatens their personal relationship if Phoenix continues to press Agamemnon's suit. Ajax is the final ambassador to speak. He actually does not being by addressing Achilles, but speaks of Achilles to Ulysses, calling him cruel and suggesting that he is being both selfish and foolish."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Homer, The Iliad. Retrieved September 11, 2009 from Internet Classics Library. Web site: http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/iliad.9.ix.html

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