Lecture Notes: Book 9 of the Iliad - Achaean Camp Panic and Negotiations with Achilles

Panic in the Achaean Camp

• Agamemnon fears defeat and suggests retreat.
• Diomedes argues against retreat, believing Zeus promised them victory.

Nestor's Proposal

• Nestor suggests approaching Achilles to rejoin the fight.
• Agamemnon offers Achilles treasure to return:
  • Return of Briseis
  • Future plunder
  • One of Agamemnon's daughters
  • Seven cities

The Envoys: Odysseus, Ajax, and Phoenix

• Odysseus appeals to Achilles' sense of responsibility.
  • Achilles refuses, threatening to sail home.
• Phoenix asks for forgiveness, tells story of an angry prince missing out on honor.
  • Achilles refuses that form of honor.
• Ajax urges Achilles to earn comrades' love.
  • Achilles responds warmly but remains firm.

Achilles' Response

• Refuses to fight until Hector threatens their ships.
• Message shocks Achaeans.
• Diomedes suggests ignoring Achilles and preparing for battle.

Themes of Pride and Honor

• Agamemnon admits fault but deflects responsibility; not humbled.
• Achilles refuses to bend his pride.
• Odysseus and Ajax omit requests deemed dishonorable by Achilles.
  • No apology from Agamemnon noted by Achilles.
• Achilles values the honor decreed by Zeus—glorious death.

Achilles' Justification and Godlike Behavior

• Justified anger over pride insult.
• Refuses treasure, clinging to pride and anger.
• Behavior likened to gods such as Hera and Poseidon.

Odysseus' Speech

• Uses various appeals to sway Achilles, but ultimately unsuccessful.