Wednesday, August 11, 2010

What is Odysseus' reaction when Achilles tells him that it is better to be the slave of a poor man than to be king in the underworld?

Odysseus doesn't really have much of a reaction to Achilles's statement.  As soon as Achilles makes this claim -- that it is better to be living a really lowly and inconsequential life than to be very powerful among the dead -- he asks Odysseus to tell him about his son, and whether or not he's made a good leader, as well as his father, and whether he is still shown respect despite his very old age.  


Therefore, Odysseus does as he's asked and relates some stories about Achilles's son, Neoptolemus, and his heroism and bravery in the war in addition to how well-spoken and respected he is.  Of Achilles's father, Peleus, he has no knowledge, and so he cannot speak to how he's being treated.  After hearing the news of his son, then, Achilles departs back across the field of asphodel, leaving Odysseus to the other spirits.

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