The Iliad Book 9 Assignment 2/27

Q. Write a question. It can be an interpretive question that you have an opinion on or something about the text that you don't understand. You do not need to write the answer.

A. In this passage, Helen is actually mentioned in a part of this section. I'm confused if she's going to play a bigger role later on in the book, or if she's part of Agamemnon's bribe?

Q. What was your opinion of Agamemnon before reading this section? Does your opinion of him change after reading it? Why or why not? A one paragraph reply is fine, minimum of 6 solid setneces, but you are encouraged to write more.

A. Before I started this section, I thought Agamemnon was this greedy, rude, self-centered man who only thought of himself, and didn't care about other's thoughts, opinions or feelings. My opinion has changed a little about him because in this section, he seems like now, he's willing to take the blame for his actions. He says "That's no lie old man-a full account you give of all my acts of madness. Mad, blind I was! Not even I would deny it. (pg. 255 lines 137-139)" He use to be very self-centered and very secretive. But now in this section, he seems like he's very caring and giving and alot more open. There's a section in the book, from pg. 255-256 lines 145-193 where he talks about all these offerings he's willing to give to Achilles for his forgiveness, for stealing his war prize Briseis, and also all the broken promises, and blames Agamemnon put on him. To me, I don't really think he's willing to give all those offerings to him, without something in return. It's more of a bribe knowing the man Agamemnon was in Book one.

Q. At various points in the text some characters attempt to persuade other characters to take a course of action. Examples of characters using persuasion include Nestor, Odysseus, and Ajax. Make a list of the persuasive strategy used by these characters.

A.

1.) Who is speaking : Agamemnon
2.) What does that person say and to whom does he say it : Agamemnon offers Achilles to take gifts from him in return for his forgiveness.
3.) What persuasive strategy is it : Emotion
4.) Why is it an example of that strategy : Agamemnon is offering so many different luxuries, and expensice items that it seems more of a bribe rather than a gift.

1.) Who is speaking : Nestor
2.) What does that person say and to whom does he say it : Agamemnon wants to back down from the war. But Nestor steps up and tells the soldiers/Agamemnon's army that they have come all this way for nothing if they back down from the war now.
3.) What persuasive strategy is it : Emotion
4.) Why is it an example of that strategy : Nestor's trying to create a moment where the men are going to be willing to fight through his words.

1.) Who is speaking : Phoenis, Ajax, and Odysseus
2.) What does that person say and to whom does he say it : The men want Achilles to accept the offerings from Agamemnon.
3.) What persuasive strategy is it : Emotion

4.) Why is it an example of that strategy : The men want Achilles to accept what Agamemnon is trying to offer and much more to come, but he will not accept it because of anger he has towards Agamemnon. But the journey that his friends had taken to get to him was complete waste if he did not accept the offer.