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Book Nine
conceived in Homer. It is a pity that the poet has not characterized the tone
of this oration by an introductory formula (as, for example, is Odysseus'
address to Nausikaa at Od. 6.148), but the reputation of Odysseus is such
that we expect a Kep6ccAsos uudos. His speech indeed is the best organized of
the four speakers; see the discussion by G. A. Kennedy, Classical Rhetoric and
its Christian and Secular Tradition from Ancient to Modern Times (London 1980)
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Odysseus' approach is to identify the interests of Akhilleus with those of
the Achaeans. He begins with a modest, low-key exordium, complimenting
Akhilleus' gracious entertainment (225-8). He then contrasts the comforts
of Akhilleus' hut with the dismal prospects confronting the Achaeans (228—
31), with heavy stress on the alleged boasts of Hektor (232-46). This is put
in clear, stark terms with no more hyperbole than rhetoric and circumstances
demand. It is well calculated to arouse the interest and appetite of
Akhilleus, and skilfully avoids bringing up the cause of his behaviour - the
indefensible action of Agamemnon. Odysseus' proposition is put in two
verses (247-8): 'Up, Akhilleus, save the Achaeans!' He then proceeds to
argument: (1) if Akhilleus does not rescue his friends at this late hour there
will be no second opportunity (249-51); (2) let him recall the wise words
of his father on the evil of strife and put aside his anger (252—60); (3)
Agamemnon will pay handsome immediate recompense with unheard-of
honours to follow (260—99). Odysseus winds up with an appeal for pity for
his own side and indignation against the other. If Akhilleus cannot bring
himself to make up with Agamemnon, let him at least take pity on his
devoted friends and seize the chance to fight the arrogant and insulting
Hektor.
Nos rite coepturi ab Homero videmur (Quint. Inst. Or. 10.1.46) - the ancient
view that Homer was a master not only of rhetoric but of rhetorical theory
too finds its principal justification in this speech (and in those that follow,
cf. [Plutarch], Vita Horn. 169-72). The exegetical scholia (bT) provide a
rhetorical commentary on Odysseus' speech, probably derived (as their use
of the term OT&CTIS suggests) from the work of Telephus of Pergamum, TTspi
TTJS KOCO' "Ourjpov prjTopiK'ns, according to H. Schrader, Hermes 37 (1902)
530—81. Odysseus begins with what became the traditional orator's exordium,
a captatio benevolentiae. The body of the speech then employs two
OT&CTSIS: (1) "napopurjTiKri, i.e. Odysseus plays up (Tpayco8elv) the dire
circumstances of the Achaeans; and (2) dcAAoicoTiKT), i.e. Odysseus shifts the
issue from Agamemnon to the peril of the army. After his brief introduction
Odysseus sets out his case under four heads (KecpaAaia): (1) his narratio
(8if|yr|cns); Hektor and the victorious Trojans are about to burn the
Achaean ships; it is Akhilleus' opportunity to win glory: (2) using the figure
of fjOoTroita, Odysseus seeks to render Akhilleus ETTIEIKTIS: (3) he rehearses
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