Sophocles used his position as a writer to influence his audience that he was writing for. One can well imagine that, when writing Ajax, Sophocles steeped himself in those parts of the Iliad which dealt with the hero and there are clear signs that he had done so. Ajax, like other Greek tragedies, was intended to educate Athenian men on the characteristics of the ideal citizen. All citizens were expected to serve in the military and family was also highly valued: adults took responsibility for their aging parents, as well as their children. In fifth century Athens, public life was just as significant as the military. Persuasive orations, public debate, and an openness to various arguments was the norm in Athenian public society, and were essential