eeks, or Achaeans, are in danger of being routed by the Trojans, primarily because the proud and offended Achilles has withdrawn from the war because of the personal affront from Agamemnon. Without Achilles' men and his military brilliance, the Achaeans will apparently lose the war to the Trojans. Odysseus is sent to Achilles's tent to try to persuade Achilles, his long-time friend, to set his pride aside and come back to fight the Trojans, who are preparing their final attack.
Odysseus is a proud and courageous warrior himself, but he is willing to humble himself by being a messenger from Agamemnon to Achilles. Odysseus is willing to plead with Achilles, to offer him great honors and many gifts if he will only relent and return to do battle and save his people. Odysseus certainly cares about his reputation, for he is a proud warrior himself, a leader of men, but he knows that his personal reputation is meaningless if his army loses the battle with the Trojans. He wisely chooses to exercise humility before Achilles, to keep his focus not on his ego but on the long-term needs of the Greek army, of which he is a part.
Achilles, however, will not relent. He has been too offended, his reputation has been too wounded, and he will not do anything to save his people, although he does suggest that somehow he will be able to stop the Trojans at his own tent and ship. However, Achilles leaves no doubt that he is letting his anger at having his reputation besmirched lead him down a path which spells disaster for t
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