Rhetorical Precis, The Iliad

Irene Chen

Rhetorical Precis

In the first book of The Iliad by Homer, Agamemnon and Achilles argue over the claim of Briseis, Achilles’ prize, after Apollo attacks the Greek Army by request of the father of Chryses, Agamemnon prize of battle, whom Agamemnon had refused to return.  In anger Achilles attacks Agamemnon and reasons why he should keep Briseis and why he should leave the army if not.  This epic opens with that rage-- the rage of Achilles which eventually ruins the Achaean army.

Achilles uses the pathos of the Achaean Army’s hardship and suffering, and subtly positions himself in that army as if it to divide them into one group against Agamemnon.  He speaks for them as if the voice for many by beginning with this with a rhetorical question to doubt Agamemnon’s leadership and passion, “With what heart can any of the Achaeans do your bidding, either on foray or in open fighting?”

Achilles then switches to first person to explain his own narrative of relevance in the war, as he claims he has no reason to be in it except for the fact that he wants to be.  He has not been wronged by the Trojans in any way and is in fact, geographically very distanced from them.  He plays his role and part in the Trojan War as a favor to the Greeks, and not an obligation or necessity of his own.  

He then switches back to third person to place himself with the army again, creating a connection between him as an individual soldier amongst many to form the “heart” of the Achaean force.  “We have followed you, Sir Insolence!” he exclaims, further creating the disparity between the army of “we” and their leader.  He then continues, “for your pleasure, not ours”.  Here Achilles it clear, Agamemnon’s selfishness amongst amidst everyone else’s selflessness.  

Then, Achilles states everything that Agamemnon has done wrong to him-- “You forget this, and threaten to rob me of the prize for which I have toiled, and which the sons of the Achaeans have given me.”  First, he reminds Agamemnon that very importantly, he does not need to be there to help him.  Then with his next statement, he claims what is his, and what he has earned, rightfully.  Agamemnon may be king, but the act of taking what is earned is theft.

Achilles then goes on to say that even the prizes he has earned in battle is never better than what Agamemnon “earns” solely for the fact that Agamemnon is king.  Furthermore, Achilles contrasts Agamemnon’s heart, skill, and character to his own, drawing upon his upon his own ethos as he is is known to be the best warrior-- “though it is my hands that do the better part of the fighting”.  Agamemnon may be most valuable in royalty, but Achilles is most valuable in battle.

Further contrasting Agamemnon’s greedy and distasteful character Achilles continues his argument of his own selflessness by expressing his gratitude for taking whatever prizes he gets for the labour of his fighting, no matter how much less that Agamemnon’s, for Agamemnon's share is “far the largest”.

He then ends stating “Now, therefore, I shall go back to Phthia; it will be much better for me to return home with my ships, for I will not stay here dishonoured to gather gold and substance for you.”  While he does say this as if a declaration, it serves more as a threat and as a punishment as a result of Agamemnon’s disrespect for him.  Because of the association he creates with the Achaeans before as well, it is implied that those who stay will continue to gather gold and substance for Agamemnon, whose reputation here, Achilles has destroyed.