Tensions In The Iliad

Throughout Book 1 of the Iliad, written by Homer, interpersonal tensions become apparent and, consequently, have broad ramifications. The clearest tension between two characters is most obviously that of Chryses and Agamemnon. Agamemnon, who has stolen Chryses’ daughter as a war prize, refuses to accept Chryses’ ransom for the return of his daughter. Agamemnon is practically insulted by Chryses’ request as Agamemnon sees Cryseis as his rightfully earned prize. Therefore, giving Chryses his daughter would be a stab at Agamemnon’s honor and glory. However, this personal argument greatly affects all the soldiers under Agamemnon’s rule. As a form of justice, Chryses prays to Apollo avenge his loss on the army. As a result of the argument between
the two, the entire army must pay for Agamemnon’s stubbornness. As a result of this interpersonal tension, another arises between Agamemnon and Achilles as Achilles is intolerant to Agamemnon’s greed. Agamemnon immediately demands another prize to which Achilles responds, sparking tension between the two; Agamemnon responds by taking Achilles’ wife. Consequently, this affects the gods as well; Achilles seeks consolation from Thetis, who decides to contact Zeus. The meeting between Thetis and Zeus strains Hera and Zeus’ marriage as Hera is angry at Zeus for favoring the Trojans and now deciding to honor Achilles. The feud between Agamemnon and Achilles not only affects the two of them but also causes quarrel between the gods.