the snake eating the nine birds. Hearing this makes them feel more comfortable knowing the gods are on their side. On the other hand, Agamemnon uses his dream to repel the men from war because he does not realize what the men need to hear for encouragement. “He [Zeus] is hard; who before this time promised me and consented that I might sack strong-walled Ilion . . . Now he has devised a vile deception, and bids me go back to Argos . . .” (1.2.112-115). All in all, the success of Odysseus proves that status is not a factor when it comes to motivating the army. Instead, it is remembering who the audience is and to always give them a reason to believe. Throughout the story one can also see how this is true, like when Thetis implored the god of gods, Zeus, to help out her son. Zeus is of higher rank, but when she spoke to him softly and chose her words carefully, Thetis gets what she wants. Today, one can see persuasion on TV for infomercials for weight loss, or at stores when the sales lady compliments the customer for looking fantastic in an outfit. It is highly doubtful that the sales rep is going to rave about how fat the customer looks, if she wants to sell the shirt....
