What is Achilleus' line of reasoning in specific Line - Essay Example

Lines 318-322 Achilles had completely decided to go for the battle. He knew that they were in fact apparently losing the battle as the army of Troy was much more powerful and had knowledge of every movement of Athens. In fact Achilles had withdrawn from the war due to a dishonour done by Agamemnon .According to his words which he said to Ulysses ,Achilles believes he has two options: he can either live a long, unremarkable life at home or else he can die young and gloriously as a mercenary warrior.

There was no diffference between the brave and coward in war. By noticing the failure of the war the greek forced had decided to withdraw from the war but Agamemnon realised hi folly and decided to be in good terms with Achilles and persuade him to war again in exachange for riches but Achilles disagreed. For Achilles war meant a fight for honour and not for riches. Lines 334-343 The basic meaning for the saying is that as a bird undergoes all the dificulties for bringing foos to it's siblings a soldier has to undergo every pain to win the battle and bring pride to his country.

He has to cross many obstacles and fight the battle without thinking of his self and future. He should see only the glory of his country. Achilles had agreed to fight the war only on the condition that if at all Hector returned and caused any harm on Greek's ship he would return back to war. Hence here Achilles was referring to the 'bird' which was himself and his fellow mates were the unwinged siblings. It was only the valour and tactfullness of Achilles that the battle could ever advence to it's victory.

Without Achilles the army had no power and no strength and was no match for the Trojans and Achille's return to war was as essential as the war itself. Lines 334-343 Agamemnon had taken a woman named Chryseis as his slave, her father Chryses, a priest of Apollo, begged Agamemnon to return her to him. Agamemnon refused and Apollo sent a plague amongst the Greeks. Agamemnon consented, but then commanded that Achilles' slave Briseis be brought to replace Chryseis. Achilles could not bear this dishonour and decided not to go for battle again along with the achaens.

He remarked by saying that for all the other warriors he had given fabulous prizes and gifts but though he had the most remarkable influence in the battle instead of honouring him he had dishonoured him by taking away his slave in replacement. This angered him a lot and he also said that the Agives had no right and also no capacity to fight against the Trojans and also they weren't the only persons who loved their wives, Line 344-345 The routed Achaian army was completely demoralized. At an assembly of troops that night, even proud King Agamemnon bursts into tears.

He said that the war was lost, and he suggested sailing home. His dejected soldiers receive this speech in silence, but Diomedes leaptto his feet, reminding the king of his responsibilities and reminding the troops of their heroic heritage. And he felt that Achilles return to the war was necessary. Nestor proposes sending Phoenix, Great Ajax, and Odysseus, as well as the heralds Odius and Eurybates for persuading him to fight and also to reward him with riches. Achilles responds that he will not return, nor would he even if he were offered treasures far richer and greater than those offered by Agamemnon.

Since Agamemnon had deceived him and offended him , Achilles wanted to forget him and his requests to join the war again and also Achilles lost faith in him. The possessions, Achilles argues, are not worth his life. His mother has told him that he can either stay and fight and gain great glory, or he can return home and have a long life. Achilles says that he will choose the latter option. He and the Myrmidons will sail for home Bibliography: Iliad, (Dec 2006) retrieved from www.wikipedia.org