Swarms and Flocks

My friends, I have penetrating fears regarding this system. Even though I have read the material, meticulously typed out this blogpost, sacrificed a huge portion of my Friday night to complete this assignment, and have searched to the ends of the earth looking for a reliable internet connection to then post this . . . the fate of my grade rests in your hands. And the thought that my grade is dependent upon someone other than me is terrifying. Here I am, hoping against hope that someone might take interest in my thoughts and feelings of the language and persuasion of the Iliad. Not only must I interest you, but I must evoke enough emotion that I can generate a response from you-- no pressure. But just as the fate of my grade lies with you; likewise, the fate of your grades lies with me. We will either fail this course as individuals or reach the highest of highs as a unit. Let us rise together and succeed ourselves by first helping one another succeed.

How many felt motivated and willing to comment on my post by the end of that paragraph? I’m sure many of you have forgotten the initial tone of doubt and worry initially established in those first three sentences. I questioned your ethics. I even found myself insulted when I reread the passage. <How dare anyone question my work ethic and dependability!> However, all that was forgotten with the powerful “us” used as the conclusion. I included myself in the class and attempted to generate a sense of unity and loyalty to each other. At least, this was what was attempted.

This was a poignant point made in the Iliad. There was a constant reference to animals and how the men resembled swarms of bees (19) and  flocks of geese (28). I wouldn't exactly call this a flattering comparison. The reason why this comparison was successful in being persuasive, however, is because of the proclamation in the very beginning with the introduction of “my friends.” This appeal to similarity set the tone to allow each individual bee, goose, or man to rally together and join the swarm, flock, or ranks. Then, the speaker could proceed into the less flattering comparison, and in the end return once again to the main point that the speaker and the listener are one in the same. Agememnon and Ulysses thus act as “shepherds of their people” (19) through utilizing this persuasive method in combination with an artful use of language.