Throughout the Iliad, conflicts commonly arise between characters regardless of whether they are allies, close friends, or enemies; many of these conflicts arise due to issues involving pride, power, glory, and honor. In the ninth book of the Iliad, Agamemnon's embassy uses logos and ethos to convince Achilles to join the Greeks in battle. These arguments ultimately fail due to the characterization of Achilles as someone who cannot be "bought". Rather, he is motivated by his sense of honor and pride, which leads him to make stubborn decisions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay After deciding to make amends with Achilles by offering him great rewards, Agamemnon sends Phoenix, Ajax, and Odysseus to Achilles in hopes of convincing him to do so. help the Greeks defeat the Trojans. Each man reasons in turn with the son of Peleus; Odysseus presents a logical argument, and Phoenix and Ajax each follow with an emotional appeal. Odysseus is the first to plead with Achilles, beginning by complimenting Achilles and explaining how the Greeks are close to defeat. He then conveys Agamemnon's offer word for word, listing the enormous amount of rewards Achilles would get if he accepted their offer. Odysseus uses logic to present his argument, as he makes it clear that the rewards Achilles will receive from resuming battle would be more beneficial than his decision to return home. Odysseus also adds a patriotic element to his argument, stating that even if Achilles cannot personally forgive Agamemnon, he should return to end the suffering of his fellow Greeks; the Greek army cannot win without Achilles, so it would make sense for them to band together to increase their chances of victory. Odysseus also quotes Peleus, Achilles' father, who had warned his son to control his "proud spirit" and that "a friendly heart is far better" (Homer 167). Referring to the older man's words, Odysseus once again uses a logical appeal, emphasizing that letting go of his grudge will help him achieve divine honor and glory by saving the Greeks from defeat. Phoenix then turns to Achilles, breaking into tears as he makes his plea. His appeal is emotional, as Phoenix has a more personal relationship with Achilles, who he helped raise as a child. First of all, he arouses emotions by reflecting on how much he cares for Achilles who is like a son to him. Phoenix's reflection on his troubled past with his family is done to emphasize that Achilles must make smart choices and show that he values ​​the people he loves. Phoenix also tells the story of a man who was in a similar situation to Achilles and made decisions that ended disastrously; Phoenix urges Achilles not to make the same mistakes. The passion in his speech attempts to make Achilles face his morals and ask if his anger is worth harming those he loves. Observe "...I tried to make you my son, Achilles, so you would save me from ruin. But you must master your proud spirit. It is not right that you should have a merciless heart.." (Homer 173) . This is the second time a father figure character mentions Achilles' "proud spirit", something that is seen as a flaw in his character. Finally, Ajax makes his appeal, which is much shorter and angrier than that of the previous men. Ajax criticizes Achilles' decision to refuse their offer, seeing it as cruel and mean, and urges Achilles to "show some generosity and some respect" (Homer 177). Ajax uses an emotional appeal, as he wants tothat Achilles sympathizes with the Greeks and realizes that by not joining them in battle he is abandoning his friends, whom he claims to care for dearly. Ajax condemns Achilles for being so unyielding, stating that even people whose children were murdered are willing to forgive once they have been adequately compensated. Like Phoenix, Ajax feels that Achilles should not be so cold and instead do what is beneficial for everyone as a whole. However, all three of their arguments fail due to Achilles' implacable stubbornness. By refusing to accept the honorable terms offered to him, he places his wounded pride above all other considerations; Achilles' desire for revenge has begun to overwhelm his common sense and his loyalty to his friends. Nothing will satisfy Achilles except the complete humiliation of Agamemnon, an unreasonable request. There is also the extreme irony of the situation; if Achilles joins the battle, he will die there, thus rendering the gifts offered for his return useless, but if he does not join the battle he will lose the honor and glory that comes with war. There is also a problem with Agamemnon's offering itself. . Despite Agamemnon's desperate attempt to create a truce with Achilles, he never definitively apologizes. Although he is able to admit that he was wrong to insult Achilles and take his "prize", he chooses to attempt to regain Achilles' loyalty rather than actually repair their relationship. Agamemnon is extremely generous in his offers, which seem more like tribute to a god than a man, but he wants Achilles to accept that he is of a lower status than Agamemnon. After listing the long list of reparations he is willing to give, he further emphasizes that "[Achilles] should submit to me as I am more king" (Homer 164), illustrating that Agamemnon, although less stubborn, is just as proud as Achilles. Odysseus strategically leaves out Agamemnon's comment in his repetition of the speech, as Odysseus knows that the statement would only further wound Achilles' pride. Achilles does not want empty "gifts" as a form of compensation; he wants recognition that he is greater than, or at least equal to, Agamemnon, and that he deserves just as much respect. Achilles is fully aware that the Greeks need him, now more than ever, but his pride does not allow him to turn back. There are two elements that define Achilles as a character: his pride and his anger, which are closely related. He is driven primarily by a thirst for glory and honor and is willing to sabotage the fate of the entire Greek army and endanger the lives of those closest to him to get revenge on those he believes have wronged him. He cannot, or is unable, to control his pride or the anger that arises when that pride is hurt. He abandons his companions and shows little concern for their inevitable deaths, all because he has been wronged at the hands of Agamemnon, and will not even consider changing his mind. All three men mention Achilles' "proud spirit" and advise him to act against it rather than allow it to control him. However, due to his stubbornness, Achilles ignores this advice, choosing instead to continue to hold a grudge. Phoenix observes that “even the gods can bend” (Homer 173), yet Achilles remains steadfast in his position. Achilles is constantly referred to as god-like and clearly has an arrogant sense of self-worth, which contributes to his need to be seen by others as glorious. Diomedes states that it was useless to try to appeal to someone as strong-willed and presumptuous as Achilles; it's clear that the only person who can change Achilles' mind is.