The Iliad Book Nine Lecture Notes

Context and Setting

• Greeks are having a tough time against the Trojans.
• Zeus supports the Trojans.
• Greeks have retreated behind fortifications, contemplating next moves.

Key Characters

• Agamemnon: Struggling with pride and consequences of his actions; deeply affected by defeat.
• Nestor: Old, wise advisor trying to calm Agamemnon; suggesting strategies.
• Diomedes: Voice of courage and persistence.
• Odysseus: Known for eloquence, tasked with diplomatic efforts.
• Ajax: Straightforward warrior, known for bluntness.
• Phoenix: Father-figure to Achilles, trained him.
• Achilles: Central character returning after absence; conflicted about fighting due to rage with Agamemnon.

Summary of Book Nine

• No direct action; primarily a series of dialogues and negotiations.
• Greeks in poor spirits; Agamemnon calls a meeting.
• Agamemnon’s Desperation: Displaying tears, ready to give up.
• Diomedes' Courage: Refuses to give up; challenges Agamemnon’s leadership.
• Nestor's Proposal: Suggests reconciling with Achilles by asking for forgiveness and offering gifts.

Agamemnon’s Offer

• Gifts to Achilles: Extensive list of treasures, women, and his daughter in marriage.
• Admission of Wrongs: Agamemnon acknowledges his past mistakes and blindness.

The Embassy to Achilles

• Envoys: Phoenix, Odysseus, and Ajax sent to persuade Achilles.
• Achilles’ Activities: Playing the lyre, depicting peace vs war.

Speeches and Responses

• Odysseus:

  • Appeals to Achilles to save Greeks; emphasizes potential for glory.
  • Reminds Achilles of his father Peleus's advice.
  • Achilles’ Response: Rejects all offers; emphasizes personal grievances.

• Phoenix:

  • Personal appeal as a father figure.
  • Shares life lessons and stories, emphasizing forgiveness.
  • Achilles’ Response: Values Phoenix but dismisses arguments.

• Ajax:

  • Short, blunt appeal.
  • Achilles’ Response: Reiterates refusal to support Agamemnon.

Themes and Symbols

• War vs Peace: Achilles’ music vs the ongoing war.
• Fate and Choice: Achilles’ fate to choose between glory and life.
• Personification: Panic and prayers as figures influencing events.
• Repetition: Offers and arguments repeated to emphasize points.

Conclusion

• Achilles remains unyielding; Greeks prepare to continue the struggle without him.
• Next Steps: Setup for future actions in Book Ten.

Learning Points

• Character Development: Agamemnon's humility and Achilles’ stubbornness.
• Theme Exploration: Conflict between individual desires and communal duties.

Looking Forward

• Expect further developments and challenges in Book Ten.

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