AJAX vs. Ulysses: Chapter 13

AJAX vs. Ulysses: Chapter 13 The apportioning of Achilles armor The debate between Ajax and Ulysses occurs immediately after Achilles' demise, and pits two of the greatest Greek warriors against one another. The debate revolves around the subject as to which general ought to be given the powerful, glorious gold armor of Achilles.

The individual who was accorded the armor of a fallen warrior was always accorded a great honor, but the armor of Achilles was particularly coveted, given the strength and prowess of Achilles and the fact that his armor was made by the gods. By pitting Ulysses against Ajax, the author not only create a debate not simply of who was the better or worthier warrior, but creates a debate for the reader as to which individual better exemplifies the values held in highest esteem by the Greeks.

Ulysses, often known as wily, embodies the values of a quick mind, while Ajax, the "lord of the seven ox-fold shield," embodies the vales towering and brutish strength. (213) Ajax states that because of his great courage and noble parentage, he deserves the armor, as these were values represented by Achilles during Achilles' lifetime.

He claims that both Achilles and he can claim an indirect line to the king of all the Olympians, while Ulysses father was a cheater and a liar -- moreover, Ulysses did not even want to fight against Troy in the first place, while Achilles first and foremost chose a short life of valor over a long life of obscurity! (213) Ajax states that time and time again he saved the other man from cowardly acts and from wounds.

Thus, both in spirit as well as in heritage, Ajax lays claim to the armor, with the third and additional argument that Ulysses was an unwilling soldier from the first, and is a less able fighter. He jokes that Ulysses' head will not support the helmet, and says that his own shield is riddled with wounds, and thus from a practical standpoint he needs another! However, given the unpopularity of the conflict at the time of Ajax's appeal, his persuasive skills may be somewhat lacking.

He sounds arrogant in his advocacy of the value of his parentage before men of less high birth then himself. Ulysses cites his mission to Priam to make peace, through his persuasive skills, as one reason he ought to have the armor, and his good counsel during the war.

He appeals to the battle-weary mindset of his audience, which has seen many years of conflict and has just lost its best warrior, rather than appeals with the military rhetoric that is only likely to inspire men who have never seen military battle, or who are fresh and eager to fight because they are sure of victory. Jupiter commands us to stop fighting, says sad Ulysses, yet Ajax continues to keep fighting with the same spirit.

Also, Ajax claims every victory as his own, even though every Greek great and small has some hand in every victory. Moreover, "my loving wife detained me," from battle, while Achilles "loving mother" detained him, notes Ulysses, responding to the accusation of his cowardice. Thus, he implies a final connection between himself and the slain Achilles -- both were reluctant warriors. However, one cannot help but ask -- of.