Superiority In Illiad

492 Words2 Pages
In Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, Nestor says that Agamemnon has the “authority to rule and [the] right of judgment from Zeus” (Lawall, p.134, lines 102-103). The importance given to authority and power illustrates superiority as the main element that causes conflict amongst the people. Superiority is the predominant theme that appears in three forms: political, physical and intellectual. The characters of Agamemnon, Achilles and Athena reflect these forms of superiority. The constant struggles to achieve authority and power greatly influence the fate of the characters. Agamemnon is a signifier for political power. He thinks that a “person will wince at the thought of opposing [him] as an equal” (Lawall, p.111, lines 196-197), demonstrating his military and political strength. The warlord refuses the ransom Chryses offers him for his daughter “and [dismisses] Chryses with a rough speech” (Lawall, p.108, line 33). The reason for his refusal was not the girl herself but rather what she represents to him; Chryseis represents his dominance over a territory because she was the prize given to him after the conquest of Thebes. Hence, giving her back would mean stripping his title as the ruler of Thebes. Agamemnon says that [he is] coming to [Achilles’] hut and taking Briseis” (Lawall, p.111, line 194). This statement shows that Agamemnon thinks that political power is much more stronger than physical power. To appease Achilles’ anger, he offers him “seven unfired tripods, ten gold bars, […], seven populous cities […] [but Achilles must] submit to [him]” (Lawall, p.135, lines 127-164). This event portrays Agamemnon as someone who uses his political strength to lure to his side those who might help him gain more power, even after dishonoring them. Agamemnon constantly uses his political power to his own advantage despite the effects on others. Achilles is a
Open Document