Power of Supplication

Traditionally Greek warriors are not to show signs of cowardice. So when we read about a scene in which one person supplicates to another it is not considered a sign of cowardice. Rather, we should interpret it as a peacemaking. Since the death of Patroclus, Achilles’ rage denies him from accepting his victims’ supplication. His rage is so intense that he won’t spare anybody at this point. We get scenes such as, “Tros [clasping] his knees / In supplication, [and] Achilles [shoving] his sword / Down into his liver.” (p. 401) Upon Priam’s entrance into Achilles’ home, he opens with “Remember your father, godlike Achilles.” (p. 482) I think this is a wise thing to open with, considering the fact that Achilles is boasting with rage and arrogance. Priam calls him ‘godlike’ to show his respect and to announce his supplication. This allows Achilles to feel a sense of royalty as if he is the king instead of Priam. Also, Priam relates himself to Achilles’ father. This may be done in order to extract whatever compassion Achilles has left because Achilles respects his own father and should likewise respect Priam. For a person as sadistic as Achilles is in his rage, Priam acknowledges his greatness while giving him a boost of ego: “I am more pitiable […] I have kissed the hand of the man who killed my son.” (p. 483) Priam claims that Achilles has nothing to gain from killing him since Achilles has taken everything from him. This is powerful enough to convince Achilles to spare him and release Hector’s body.