Book IX!


“Because no battle is ever won, he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools---” (William Faulkner: The Sound and the Fury)


What an incredible book! Crisis in the Greek camp!!! Agamemnon in tears! But things are not quite as they seem, what do YOU see in Book IX? Let’s look at the two major players today: Achilles, who is found, of all things, playing the lyre, and Agamemnon, who is reduced to tears:

  • 1. In a stunning parallel to what happened in Troy, Nestor, the Voice of Reason, tells Agamemnon he was wrong and he should give back Briseis.

  • How does Agamemnon’s answer differ from Paris’? What is the implication of his words?

  • Of all the concessions Agamemnon makes, he leaves out the biggest one: what does Agamemnon NOT say that he should?

  • Would it have made any difference to Achilles?

  • 2. What does the long story of Phoenix represent? Why is it in here?

  • 3. “It doesn’t matter if you stay in camp or fight.
    In the end, weverybody comes out the same.
    Coward and hero get the same reward.
    You die whether you slack off or work>
    And what do I have for all my suffering
    Constantly putting my life on the line? ” (lines 324ff)

    Why is Achilles adamant?

    Is there anything Agamemnon could have done that would change his mind?

    Do you respect Achilles more or less for his stance?

    Is he just having a temper fit and sulking or is something else going on?

  • Lines 423ff:

    My mother Thetis, a moving silver grace.
    Tells me two fates sweep me on to my death.
    If I stay here and fight, I’ll never return home,
    But my glory will be undying forever.
    If I return home to my dear father liand
    My glory is lost but my life will be long.
    And death that ends all will not catch me soon.



    What are Achilles’ real choices here? What have they to do with anger?

    A silver stringed lyre for your thoughts!