I Can't Believe I Read the Whole Thing(ICBIRTWT) is the blog of Kale Zelden's Sixth Form English classes for the 2011-2012 school year at Portsmouth Abbey.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Student Response Question, book 1
The Question:
From the basis of just one book, what kind of leader is Agamemnon? How do you know this?
Green Section: you must respond before midnight, Sunday (9/18)
Blue Section: you must respond before midnight, Monday (9/19)
Agamemnon seems as though he is the type of leader who wants everything for himself and does not care for anyone but himself. He does not want to send Chryseis back to her father so the only way he lets her go is trading her for Briseis.
Agamemnon as a leader is selfish and very self-centered. He does not know how to negotiate and he is not aware of what to do that is beneficial for all but instead chooses to what is good for only himself. This is very well seen in the entire book 1. Agamemnon does not concede to send Chryseis to her father in the first place when he and everyone knows that Chryses, Chryseis' father, will make a plea to Apollo that will be ultimately harmful to all Greeks. Finally, Chryses asks Apollo to give a plague to Greeks that kills some Greek soldiers. Agamemnon later realizes that he has made a bad decision but he again makes another bad decision that is to take Briseis from Achilles which brings a worse consequence. Taking Briseis from Achilles enrages Achilles and he announces that he will not join any more of fights. Moreover, he asks his mother, Thetis, to ask Zeus, a king of all gods, to help Troy over Greeks. Since Zeus is the king of all gods, it is something to mark that Zeus becomes on the side of Troy. From this incidence, Agamemnon seems very short-sighted and bad-tempered. In all, he does not seem to be the best leader for such a famed troop.
Caleb's comment: Agamemnon is not a smart leader of the Achaean army. His ego flaws his thinking. He tries to take away the prize of his best fighter, Achilles, for his own greed when he is forced to give up Chrysies. As a leader he should not upset his best warrior who serves as an idol to the rest of the army. By upsetting Achilles he is, in a sense, hurting the whole army. Agamemnon is letting his ego get in the way of leading his army, and therefor is not a smart leader.
from Brian O'Connor: Agamemnon is a very self-centered leader. After he took Chryseis, her father offered a huge ransom to get his daughter back. Agamemnon did not care about the ransom and kept Chryseis for himself. Agamemnon refused to give Chryseis back until Apollo plagued Agamemnon's men. Agamemnon's selfish act killed many of his soldiers. Agamemnon proves his selfishness again when he threatens to steal Achilles' woman, Briseis, from him. This created a lot of hostility between Agamemnon and Achilles.
From Joy Xu: Here is my response for book one question:
In Book one, Agamemnon resembles as an irritable, selfish and prideful commander. Agamemnon’s first show up in the book is when he was in division of conflict. Later, the book also describes how Agamemnon dishonored Chryses, priest of Apollo, which leads Apollo’s anger towards Agamemnon’s country. Agamemnon harshly drove Chryses away with a strong order upon him because Chryses did not please Agamemon’s heart, even with sending Agamemnon tons of treasures. Agamemnon as a commander did not care a lot about his people, but care more about himself when he wants Briseis to be with him. Agamemnon’s people are suffering fires and disasters because of Agamemnon’s unwillingness of sending Briseis back. Moreover, Agamemnon believes that, as chief of the Achaean forces, he deserves the highest available prize, thus he is willing to antagonize Achilles, the most crucial Achaean warrior, and in order to secure what he believes is properly owed to him. Agamemnon’s insulting demand that Achilles relinquish his war prize, Briseis, demonstrates his character as a prideful commander.
From Trevor Kenehan: Agamemnon is not a good leader and Achilles calls him out on this. Agamemnon takes Chryses’ daughter Chryseis and does not except the ranson and return the girl. Instead he threatens Chryses and mocks him. Achilles becomes irate with Agamemnon because he says he care for the safety of his men but he really doesn’t mean it. In order for him to set Chryseis free he demands that Achilles give him his prize, Briseis. Achilles also states that Agamemnon does not suit up and battle with his men because he is scared of death. Agamemnon is not a good leader and Achilles does a great job of summer up what a coward he is.
Agamemnon is a boastful yet intelligent leader. He knows exactly how to evoke emotions in Achilles to get him riled up. However, his pride seems to interfere with his role as a leader of one of the most prestigious groups of warriors. Achilles is portrayed as a more passive figure who is obedient, and understands when to step down even after Agamemnon verbally insults him in front of the entire assembly (though it seems that Achilles is a better fit to lead the Achaians). Agamemnon demonstrates stubbornness and cowardice whereas Achilles learns how to control his temper.
Alec M-R's comment: Agamemnon is a bad leader. He is a bad leader because he is obsessed with power, which ultimately would only benefit him. In order to be a good leader, you have to have your kingdom or whomever you're leading's best interest in mind. The fact that he doesn't, speaks volumes about his ability to lead effectively. While he does have power and can attain it, it is power for the wrong reasons. A good leader attains power in order to lead the people in a more prudent way. A bad leader gains power for the sake of himself.
Ryan Whitney's response: Agamemnon is a strong leader, but at the same time does not seem like the smartest leader. When he takes Chryseis from Chryses her father he refuses to give her back and in return puts his men at risk because of a plague that is cast upon them. When the plague occurs he is forced to give her back to her father but is very angry. At this point he shows a weakness. He shows that he is in need of a women in his life when he threatens to take Achilles women from him. Achilles stands strong and does not allow this to happen but Agamemnon’s pride shows that he does not always maintain composure and think things through before he does them. Between having his men killed because of his own decision and going against a fellow leader he shows that he is very flawed as a leader
Jackie's comment: Agamemnon seems to be a selfish leader throughout book one because he bases his decisions only on what he wants. Agamemnon is aware of how harmful his decisions can be for the rest of his soldiers, but only cares about getting Chryseis and then Briseis. Agamemnon allows his personal greediness to get in the way of making wise decisions.
Agamemnon seems hot-tempered as the words of the best interpreter, Kalchas, immediately infuriates him when his action is found out to be the cause of the plague. To be sure, an aspect of a natural leader can be found in Agamemnon; he agrees to appease Apollo’s anger by sending the girl, Chryseis, back to Troy for the sake of his people. But his reluctance to return his “prize” shows how greed and vengeance constantly aggravate his mind. His irritation that he should return his prize from war is understandable as such action dishonors his reputation as a country’s leader. However, a true leader should know when to sacrifice himself for the benefit of his people. Also, his stubbornness to find a replacement for his returned prize – even if it means to snatch fellow warrior’s prize unfairly –for his own pride persists throughout Book One. His tenacity demonstrates his arrogance; he cannot be treated as an equal of his fellow warriors and he must have more than others because he believes himself to be the best. Such egotism eventually blinds him to end Achilleus, one of the best warriors that the Achaians have, from a dispute. The fact that he shamelessly insists on taking away Achilles’ prize proves how Agamemnon is a selfish leader, oblivious of aftermath and obsessive of his own profit only.
Shirley Gu's comment: Agamemnon is a selfish person and a leader who abuses power. His rejection of giving back Chryses' daughter makes his people suffer from illness, and the only reason is that he would be the one who lost his prize, the girl. Also, Agamenon as the leader, taking away other's prize forcibly and makes Achilleus feel humiliated which does not show a leader's respect to his people. Apart from this, Agamemnon's ask for prize from his people shows his prideful streak and great greediness.
Jeff Sal: Achilles is the greatest fighter in the Trojan War. After Achilles and his men capture a city, they lose many soldiers to a deadly plague. Apollo, the messenger god, sends this plague down because Achilles took Chryses’ daughter. The men argue, and are separated only when Athena intervenes. It is only when Chryses’ daughter is returned, that the plague is lifting from Achilles’ men.
Agamemnon is a selfish leader who is also a hypocrite. He steals chryseis from chryses and refuses to give her back to her father, meanwhile, he is in Troy trying to get his brother's wife back. He also has a conflict with Achilles and he is too stubborn to give up, therefore not helping out his army because they need Achilles.
Agamemnon is a selfish and irrational leader. As a king, he deserves the highest prize, but he seems to be too arrogant and selfish. Agamemnon enrages Achilleus by taking away Briseis from him. He cannot be a good leader because he does not care about his people, but only interested in his own privilege as the king. Even though Agamemnon finally sends Chryses' daughter back to Troy, he still feels unfair and therefore forces Achilleus to offer Briseis. But he neglects the fact that Achillues is the strongest warrior and he cannot defeat Troy without him. Therefore, Agamemnon cannot be a good leader, who is not willing to benefit his people.
Agamemnon is a selfish and cruel leader. He is the king of Achaians, he has the highest power and glory. But he never be satisfied. He is so greedy. He wants everything and all of the prize. After every war, he would get most of the prize and only give the great warrior Achilleus a little prize. But Agamemnon not really join the war and fight with his enemies. He always wants to have more. When Chryses who is the priest of Apollo come to meet him to find his daughter back, he rejects to release his daughter. Almost everyone agree with that, but him. He only thinks about him, because he likes Chryseis'beauty. And because of his personal desire, it enrages Apollo. So Apollo gives the punishment to his people. Also, the debate happened between Achilleus and him. All tragedies because of him.
Brandon Zhang: Agamemnon is a leader and a king using tyranny to rule his kingdom. His pride and desire made him wanted to own all the power. When Chryses politely praised and asked him to give Chryseis back, he rufused in a rude way without considering the following consequences. So he did not really care much about his people though he own them all. But Agamemnon was described the lord of men, so he might good at controlling and using people. Archilleus was the great warrior and was bold enough to criticize Agamemnon. Therefore Agamemnon might seem Archilleus as a threat to his power and Agamemnon cannot allow himself to listen to Archilleus' word. Agamemnon said that if he gives back the girl, then he wants something else--the prize of war. He always needs to possess something. His anger to Kalchas and Archilleus proved it twice. He did not listen to the wise old man Nestor's advice, too. He is stubborn and controlled by his desire and power. Thus, he could take no advice but only believe in himself.
Agamemnon is a proud leader but often times he is selfish. He cares more about himself then he cares about his army, resulting in the deaths of many of his soldiers. Agamemnon would not release Chrysies, so Apollo cast a plague over Agamemnon’s army. By not letting Chrysies go, and putting him self before of his army he caused many soldiers to die. Because of his arrogance, his men are put in danger and all because of two women.
Agamemnon was a fearless leader and a strong warrior but failed to look beyond the best interests of himself, putting his army in great harm. He proves to be selfish and interested more in personal issues then in the well-being of the army he commands. He does not think of what could happen as a result of his actions, living in the moment, unconcerned with possible ramifications. For example, Agamemnon captures Cryseis as a prize and refuses to give her up, even after her father offers a large sum of money. This money could be put towards the helping to improve the army and win the war, what a loyal commander of an army would, but instead refuses. He lets his personal life get in the way of his job and this causes Apollo to cast plague throughout his army, killing many. Agamemnon can be held directly responsible for these deaths because his arrogance and refusal to comply causes this tragedy. Even when he is forced to send her back to his father, he then takes Achilles prize, almost resulting in another act of violence. Overall, Agamemnon puts his military forces in danger due to his careless and selfish behavior in regards to Cryseis and Briseis.
Agamemnon is a selfish and unjust ruler. He leads with through his wants and desires in mind, not pausing to think of others. After giving back Chryseis to be reunited with her father, he insists Achilles gives him his woman, Briseis. By causing this conflict with him, Agamemnon lets his pride get in the way of being a good king. He continues to rule selfishly and stubbornly.
Agamemnon is a misguided leader. His decisions reflect his wants, his needs, and his selfishness. Because of his ego and selfishness his is not aware if how important Achilles is to his army. When Agamemnon was arguing with Achilles, he appeared to be intentionally provoking Achilles. Agamemnon is not aware of the problems he has caused by taking Briseis away from Achilles.
Agamemnon is not a good leader. The fact that he is the general of a powerful army means nothing, since he does not even have the decency to treat his best warrior fairly. A leader is meant to care for the well-being of the people he oversees, not provoke them and seek controversy. Agamemnon is egotistical, he is blinded by his desire to have a prize, so much so that he becomes unreasonable and aggressive towards Achilles. Agamemnon needs to realize that the way he is acting has caused his most valuable soldier to refuse to fight for him any longer.
Agamemnon is a very selfish leader but at the same time he seems he stresses his power with a form of tirrany . He doesn't think about the good of his army but only about himself. We can see this when he asks Achilles his lady. In this occasion he could just give his woman Chriseis but he asks Achiles's woman(Briseis). By doing this brings an internal conflict inside the Achaians army.He uses his power on Achilles to keep a woman which is a very bad behavior for a leader.
Agamemnon seems to be a prideful, selfish ruler. He believes that as king he is entitled to everything and that ni matter what everyone must do what he tells them to do. His pride and selfishness blinds him to the value of Achilles as a warrior. Agamemnon does not understand that by doing what he is doing, and by causing Achilles to refuse to fight, he is further endangering both the lives of his army, who rely on Achilles for streingth on the battlefield, but also his own life. Agamemnon is not showing himself to be a leader worthy even the smallest degree of respect.
Michael Cheong: Only from one book, it is clear that Agamemnom is egoistic and does not fit as a king. A good king listens to his people and take an action that will satisfy all. Agamemnon, on the other hand, is a king who is full of avarice and who does not concern about his people. When the reason why Apollo plagued the Greeks was revealed (it was because Agamemnom refused to return Chryseis back to her father, Chryses, who is the priest of Apollo.), he still refused to give up on Chryseis, because she was a prize that he earned by sacking a Trojan-allied town. The only way he would give up on her was only if he gets Briseis, who is also a prize for defeating the Trojan-allied town and awarded to Achilles. Giving Briseis to Agamemnon was humiliating for Achilles and this would cost Agamemnon later on a battle, which is another matter. This act shows that Agamemnon cares more for his possessions than his people.
Jeff Heath: The character Agamemnon is a selfish leader who only has himself in mind. When he sacrificed his crew to apollo by not giving the girl back, he was acting in himself and not for his people. After arguing with his men and turning against the crowd Agamemnon proceeds to take archiles' prize women and punish him for trying to convince their leader to make a wise decision.
Molly Bell: Agamemnon is a very powerful man. Although, the way his power is used makes him seem almost as though he is incapable of being a strong and intelligent leader. He is selfish in the way in which he does not always think about the best for others in his army. He does not consider the effects his decisions will have on others and always desires more than he has. This is shown when he will not give Chryseis back to her father and will only do so when he is promised another woman.
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ReplyDeleteAgamemnon seems as though he is the type of leader who wants everything for himself and does not care for anyone but himself. He does not want to send Chryseis back to her father so the only way he lets her go is trading her for Briseis.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon as a leader is selfish and very self-centered. He does not know how to negotiate and he is not aware of what to do that is beneficial for all but instead chooses to what is good for only himself. This is very well seen in the entire book 1. Agamemnon does not concede to send Chryseis to her father in the first place when he and everyone knows that Chryses, Chryseis' father, will make a plea to Apollo that will be ultimately harmful to all Greeks. Finally, Chryses asks Apollo to give a plague to Greeks that kills some Greek soldiers. Agamemnon later realizes that he has made a bad decision but he again makes another bad decision that is to take Briseis from Achilles which brings a worse consequence. Taking Briseis from Achilles enrages Achilles and he announces that he will not join any more of fights. Moreover, he asks his mother, Thetis, to ask Zeus, a king of all gods, to help Troy over Greeks. Since Zeus is the king of all gods, it is something to mark that Zeus becomes on the side of Troy. From this incidence, Agamemnon seems very short-sighted and bad-tempered. In all, he does not seem to be the best leader for such a famed troop.
ReplyDeleteCaleb's comment: Agamemnon is not a smart leader of the Achaean army. His ego flaws his thinking. He tries to take away the prize of his best fighter, Achilles, for his own greed when he is forced to give up Chrysies. As a leader he should not upset his best warrior who serves as an idol to the rest of the army. By upsetting Achilles he is, in a sense, hurting the whole army. Agamemnon is letting his ego get in the way of leading his army, and therefor is not a smart leader.
ReplyDeletefrom Brian O'Connor: Agamemnon is a very self-centered leader. After he took Chryseis, her father offered a huge ransom to get his daughter back. Agamemnon did not care about the ransom and kept Chryseis for himself. Agamemnon refused to give Chryseis back until Apollo plagued Agamemnon's men. Agamemnon's selfish act killed many of his soldiers. Agamemnon proves his selfishness again when he threatens to steal Achilles' woman, Briseis, from him. This created a lot of hostility between Agamemnon and Achilles.
ReplyDeleteBrian O'Connor
From Joy Xu: Here is my response for book one question:
ReplyDeleteIn Book one, Agamemnon resembles as an irritable, selfish and prideful commander. Agamemnon’s first show up in the book is when he was in division of conflict. Later, the book also describes how Agamemnon dishonored Chryses, priest of Apollo, which leads Apollo’s anger towards Agamemnon’s country. Agamemnon harshly drove Chryses away with a strong order upon him because Chryses did not please Agamemon’s heart, even with sending Agamemnon tons of treasures. Agamemnon as a commander did not care a lot about his people, but care more about himself when he wants Briseis to be with him. Agamemnon’s people are suffering fires and disasters because of Agamemnon’s unwillingness of sending Briseis back. Moreover, Agamemnon believes that, as chief of the Achaean forces, he deserves the highest available prize, thus he is willing to antagonize Achilles, the most crucial Achaean warrior, and in order to secure what he believes is properly owed to him. Agamemnon’s insulting demand that Achilles relinquish his war prize, Briseis, demonstrates his character as a prideful commander.
From Trevor Kenehan: Agamemnon is not a good leader and Achilles calls him out on this. Agamemnon takes Chryses’ daughter Chryseis and does not except the ranson and return the girl. Instead he threatens Chryses and mocks him. Achilles becomes irate with Agamemnon because he says he care for the safety of his men but he really doesn’t mean it. In order for him to set Chryseis free he demands that Achilles give him his prize, Briseis. Achilles also states that Agamemnon does not suit up and battle with his men because he is scared of death. Agamemnon is not a good leader and Achilles does a great job of summer up what a coward he is.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon is a boastful yet intelligent leader. He knows exactly how to evoke emotions in Achilles to get him riled up. However, his pride seems to interfere with his role as a leader of one of the most prestigious groups of warriors. Achilles is portrayed as a more passive figure who is obedient, and understands when to step down even after Agamemnon verbally insults him in front of the entire assembly (though it seems that Achilles is a better fit to lead the Achaians). Agamemnon demonstrates stubbornness and cowardice whereas Achilles learns how to control his temper.
ReplyDeleteAlec M-R's comment: Agamemnon is a bad leader. He is a bad leader because he is obsessed with power, which ultimately would only benefit him. In order to be a good leader, you have to have your kingdom or whomever you're leading's best interest in mind. The fact that he doesn't, speaks volumes about his ability to lead effectively. While he does have power and can attain it, it is power for the wrong reasons. A good leader attains power in order to lead the people in a more prudent way. A bad leader gains power for the sake of himself.
ReplyDeleteRyan Whitney's response: Agamemnon is a strong leader, but at the same time does not seem like the smartest leader. When he takes Chryseis from Chryses her father he refuses to give her back and in return puts his men at risk because of a plague that is cast upon them. When the plague occurs he is forced to give her back to her father but is very angry. At this point he shows a weakness. He shows that he is in need of a women in his life when he threatens to take Achilles women from him. Achilles stands strong and does not allow this to happen but Agamemnon’s pride shows that he does not always maintain composure and think things through before he does them. Between having his men killed because of his own decision and going against a fellow leader he shows that he is very flawed as a leader
ReplyDeleteJackie's comment: Agamemnon seems to be a selfish leader throughout book one because he bases his decisions only on what he wants. Agamemnon is aware of how harmful his decisions can be for the rest of his soldiers, but only cares about getting Chryseis and then Briseis. Agamemnon allows his personal greediness to get in the way of making wise decisions.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon seems hot-tempered as the words of the best interpreter, Kalchas, immediately infuriates him when his action is found out to be the cause of the plague. To be sure, an aspect of a natural leader can be found in Agamemnon; he agrees to appease Apollo’s anger by sending the girl, Chryseis, back to Troy for the sake of his people. But his reluctance to return his “prize” shows how greed and vengeance constantly aggravate his mind. His irritation that he should return his prize from war is understandable as such action dishonors his reputation as a country’s leader. However, a true leader should know when to sacrifice himself for the benefit of his people. Also, his stubbornness to find a replacement for his returned prize – even if it means to snatch fellow warrior’s prize unfairly –for his own pride persists throughout Book One. His tenacity demonstrates his arrogance; he cannot be treated as an equal of his fellow warriors and he must have more than others because he believes himself to be the best. Such egotism eventually blinds him to end Achilleus, one of the best warriors that the Achaians have, from a dispute. The fact that he shamelessly insists on taking away Achilles’ prize proves how Agamemnon is a selfish leader, oblivious of aftermath and obsessive of his own profit only.
ReplyDeleteShirley Gu's comment: Agamemnon is a selfish person and a leader who abuses power. His rejection of giving back Chryses' daughter makes his people suffer from illness, and the only reason is that he would be the one who lost his prize, the girl. Also, Agamenon as the leader, taking away other's prize forcibly and makes Achilleus feel humiliated which does not show a leader's respect to his people. Apart from this, Agamemnon's ask for prize from his people shows his prideful streak and great greediness.
ReplyDeleteShirley
Jeff Sal: Achilles is the greatest fighter in the Trojan War. After Achilles and his men capture a city, they lose many soldiers to a deadly plague. Apollo, the messenger god, sends this plague down because Achilles took Chryses’ daughter. The men argue, and are separated only when Athena intervenes. It is only when Chryses’ daughter is returned, that the plague is lifting from Achilles’ men.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon is a selfish leader who is also a hypocrite.
ReplyDeleteHe steals chryseis from chryses and refuses to give her back to her father, meanwhile, he is in Troy trying to get his brother's wife back.
He also has a conflict with Achilles and he is too stubborn to give up, therefore not helping out his army because they need Achilles.
Agamemnon is a selfish and irrational leader. As a king, he deserves the highest prize, but he seems to be too arrogant and selfish. Agamemnon enrages Achilleus by taking away Briseis from him. He cannot be a good leader because he does not care about his people, but only interested in his own privilege as the king. Even though Agamemnon finally sends Chryses' daughter back to Troy, he still feels unfair and therefore forces Achilleus to offer Briseis. But he neglects the fact that Achillues is the strongest warrior and he cannot defeat Troy without him. Therefore, Agamemnon cannot be a good leader, who is not willing to benefit his people.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon is a selfish and cruel leader. He is the king of Achaians, he has the highest power and glory. But he never be satisfied. He is so greedy. He wants everything and all of the prize. After every war, he would get most of the prize and only give the great warrior Achilleus a little prize. But Agamemnon not really join the war and fight with his enemies. He always wants to have more. When Chryses who is the priest of Apollo come to meet him to find his daughter back, he rejects to release his daughter. Almost everyone agree with that, but him. He only thinks about him, because he likes Chryseis'beauty. And because of his personal desire, it enrages Apollo. So Apollo gives the punishment to his people. Also, the debate happened between Achilleus and him. All tragedies because of him.
ReplyDeleteBrandon Zhang: Agamemnon is a leader and a king using tyranny to rule his kingdom. His pride and desire made him wanted to own all the power. When Chryses politely praised and asked him to give Chryseis back, he rufused in a rude way without considering the following consequences. So he did not really care much about his people though he own them all. But Agamemnon was described the lord of men, so he might good at controlling and using people. Archilleus was the great warrior and was bold enough to criticize Agamemnon. Therefore Agamemnon might seem Archilleus as a threat to his power and Agamemnon cannot allow himself to listen to Archilleus' word. Agamemnon said that if he gives back the girl, then he wants something else--the prize of war. He always needs to possess something. His anger to Kalchas and Archilleus proved it twice. He did not listen to the wise old man Nestor's advice, too. He is stubborn and controlled by his desire and power. Thus, he could take no advice but only believe in himself.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon is a proud leader but often times he is selfish. He cares more about himself then he cares about his army, resulting in the deaths of many of his soldiers. Agamemnon would not release Chrysies, so Apollo cast a plague over Agamemnon’s army. By not letting Chrysies go, and putting him self before of his army he caused many soldiers to die. Because of his arrogance, his men are put in danger and all because of two women.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon was a fearless leader and a strong warrior but failed to look beyond the best interests of himself, putting his army in great harm. He proves to be selfish and interested more in personal issues then in the well-being of the army he commands. He does not think of what could happen as a result of his actions, living in the moment, unconcerned with possible ramifications. For example, Agamemnon captures Cryseis as a prize and refuses to give her up, even after her father offers a large sum of money. This money could be put towards the helping to improve the army and win the war, what a loyal commander of an army would, but instead refuses. He lets his personal life get in the way of his job and this causes Apollo to cast plague throughout his army, killing many. Agamemnon can be held directly responsible for these deaths because his arrogance and refusal to comply causes this tragedy. Even when he is forced to send her back to his father, he then takes Achilles prize, almost resulting in another act of violence. Overall, Agamemnon puts his military forces in danger due to his careless and selfish behavior in regards to Cryseis and Briseis.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon is a selfish and unjust ruler. He leads with through his wants and desires in mind, not pausing to think of others. After giving back Chryseis to be reunited with her father, he insists Achilles gives him his woman, Briseis. By causing this conflict with him, Agamemnon lets his pride get in the way of being a good king. He continues to rule selfishly and stubbornly.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon is a misguided leader. His decisions reflect his wants, his needs, and his selfishness. Because of his ego and selfishness his is not aware if how important Achilles is to his army. When Agamemnon was arguing with Achilles, he appeared to be intentionally provoking Achilles. Agamemnon is not aware of the problems he has caused by taking Briseis away from Achilles.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon is not a good leader. The fact that he is the general of a powerful army means nothing, since he does not even have the decency to treat his best warrior fairly. A leader is meant to care for the well-being of the people he oversees, not provoke them and seek controversy. Agamemnon is egotistical, he is blinded by his desire to have a prize, so much so that he becomes unreasonable and aggressive towards Achilles. Agamemnon needs to realize that the way he is acting has caused his most valuable soldier to refuse to fight for him any longer.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon is a very selfish leader but at the same time he seems he stresses his power with a form of tirrany . He doesn't think about the good of his army but only about himself. We can see this when he asks Achilles his lady. In this occasion he could just give his woman Chriseis but he asks Achiles's woman(Briseis). By doing this brings an internal conflict inside the Achaians army.He uses his power on Achilles to keep a woman which is a very bad behavior for a leader.
ReplyDeleteAgamemnon seems to be a prideful, selfish ruler. He believes that as king he is entitled to everything and that ni matter what everyone must do what he tells them to do. His pride and selfishness blinds him to the value of Achilles as a warrior. Agamemnon does not understand that by doing what he is doing, and by causing Achilles to refuse to fight, he is further endangering both the lives of his army, who rely on Achilles for streingth on the battlefield, but also his own life. Agamemnon is not showing himself to be a leader worthy even the smallest degree of respect.
ReplyDeleteMichael Cheong: Only from one book, it is clear that Agamemnom is egoistic and does not fit as a king. A good king listens to his people and take an action that will satisfy all. Agamemnon, on the other hand, is a king who is full of avarice and who does not concern about his people. When the reason why Apollo plagued the Greeks was revealed (it was because Agamemnom refused to return Chryseis back to her father, Chryses, who is the priest of Apollo.), he still refused to give up on Chryseis, because she was a prize that he earned by sacking a Trojan-allied town. The only way he would give up on her was only if he gets Briseis, who is also a prize for defeating the Trojan-allied town and awarded to Achilles. Giving Briseis to Agamemnon was humiliating for Achilles and this would cost Agamemnon later on a battle, which is another matter. This act shows that Agamemnon cares more for his possessions than his people.
ReplyDeleteJeff Heath: The character Agamemnon is a selfish leader who only has himself in mind. When he sacrificed his crew to apollo by not giving the girl back, he was acting in himself and not for his people. After arguing with his men and turning against the crowd Agamemnon proceeds to take archiles' prize women and punish him for trying to convince their leader to make a wise decision.
ReplyDeleteMolly Bell: Agamemnon is a very powerful man. Although, the way his power is used makes him seem almost as though he is incapable of being a strong and intelligent leader. He is selfish in the way in which he does not always think about the best for others in his army. He does not consider the effects his decisions will have on others and always desires more than he has. This is shown when he will not give Chryseis back to her father and will only do so when he is promised another woman.
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