“I understand, my son, that you are by your nature not equipped to tell such lies, devise such wrongs; However, since the fruits of victory are sweet, be bold!”
Using all his skill in speaking and persuading, Odysseus tries to convince young Neoptolemus to steal Philoctetes’ bow. Odysseus’s arguments are strong, but still Neoptolemus’s pure soul stands stronger. Odesseus is a warrior, very cunning and even insidious when required. To get a victory is his only aim; he would do anything to help the Greeks to conquer Troy.
“I would rather fail through acting well than win by evil means”.
Neoptolemus values good nature and sincere intentions more highly than any other ways of achieving a goal. Cheating and deception are shameful to him.
“And so, in sum, I tell you this that war will never take an evil man by choice, but only ever men both great and good”
Philoctetes is deeply saddened on hearing that many brave and good men have been taken by death. However, he grieves even more on hearing that the vicious ones are all alive.
