Question

Based on Agamemnon’s and Amphimedon’s speeches in The Odyssey - Amphimedon, how have the characters been changed by their deaths?
1.Both show humility after their deaths.
2.Neither has changed after their deaths.
3.Both show great anger after their deaths.
4.Neither has grown arrogant after their deaths.

Answer 1

The correct answer is 1. Both show humility after their deaths.

Agamemnon dies because of his unfaithful wife and he is sorry that he didn`t die as Achilles on the battle field. He addresses his death as an unfortunate and the deaths of Achilles as the glorious one. Also, Agamemnon congratulates Odyssey for having a faithful wife who saved Odyssey, unlike his own Clytemnestra, who killed him.

These facts show humility of his character which changed after his death.

Amphimedon blames Penelope, Odyssey`s wife, for his death and after it he blames Gods as he suspects their magic presence behind Odyssey`s power (clearly a God driving him and his henchman (book 24.201)).

In other words, he shows his humility and understanding that he is nothing before Gods` powers.