How Does Odysseus Present Athena In Total Control Of Ajax

How does Sophocles portray Athena revelling in her total control of Ajax and indeed Odysseus?

From a modern perspective, and perhaps a classical one as well, Athena is a callous and despicable character. She revels in her complete dominion over both Odysseus and Ajax, remaining unreachable to all other characters, relishing in her protected position. Athena lavishly describes the savage rampage of Ajax as he slaughters defenceless animals, then subsequently his torture of the surviving animals as Ajax is deluded into believing they are men. Additionally, Athena calls Ajax out of the tent, addressing him directly while taunting Odysseus. The overarching theme of this scene is sight, as Ajax’s vision is utterly obscured via Athena’s manipulation,

The placement of the word ‘σφ’ (him) sets this dynamic as it is purposefully placed after ‘εγω’ (I), showing Athena’s position above Ajax, setting the tone for the rest of the scene. The theme of Athena’s power over Ajax continues as the phrase ‘επ’ ομμασι’ (from his eyes) is syntactically enveloped by the phrase ‘δυσφορους … γνωμας’ (intolerable fantasy). Athena smothers the vision of Ajax with these unbearable fantasies, blinding him from real life with rage, leading to his mindless slaughter of livestock as his mind becomes utterly deluded. Athena goes on to describe the senseless slaughter of animals at the hands of Ajax, relishing in gruesome detail as she vividly paints the picture of this savage violence. Athena uses animalistic terminology like ‘εκειρε’ (cutting down) and ‘ραχιζων’ (splitting the spines), referring to the slaughter of cattle and sheep. Ajax has now become a vicious butcher, which Athena takes perverse delight in as Ajax’s broken mind believes him to be righteously slaying Agamemnon and

The excessive use of imperatives in the final section emphasises Athena’s authority and control. When speaking to Odysseus, Athena instructs him to ‘θαρσων’ (be bold) and to ‘μιμνε’ (stand fast) in the face of the crazed Ajax, insulting Odysseus’ courage and honour as she insinuates that he is a coward, going on to say ‘μηδε συμφοραν δεχου΄ (do not receive him as a disaster), further insulting Odysseus even while she controls him. Athena then uses another imperative, telling Ajax to ‘στειχε’ (come out), again torturing the now tormented Odysseus. Her callousness throughout this scene culminates as Odysseus stands outside Ajax’s tent in terror, imagining the horror of Ajax’s