Rank was central to Homeric Greek society. Although given primarily by pedigree, a man's position in society was influenced by his aret (virtue). A man of low rank, unless he was an elder or a seer, was supposed to be physically weak, unremarkable, or ugly, and incapable of discussing complicated matters well. A man of high rank was expected to have physical prowess and debating skills worthy of his fathers, and a man's rank could be increased if he surpassed his ancestors in virtue. For example, although Odysseus is lord of a relatively minor island, he manages to increase his influence on the war through his power and cunning. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThis is illustrated by Odysseus's victory in two decisive arguments in the Iliad, one against a man of lower rank than himself, the other against a man of higher rank. The first consists of Thersites' diatribe against Agamemnon's greed and Odysseus' refutation (Iliad, trans. Fagles, 2.245-328), the second is Odysseus's rebuke of Agamemnon's escape plan (Iliad, 14.99-127) . Odysseus, always tailoring his arguments to his opponent, takes a stand on Thersites and questions Agamemnon's virtue, saying that he seems incommensurate with his vaunted position. Thersites is a pathetic character, the antithesis of a hero. From its first description the reader or listener of the poem knows that he cannot make a decent argument. Having just been dissuaded from fleeing by Odysseus, all the men are content to listen to their king's advice except Thersites. As the solemn assembly gathers, this comical figure steps forward. The miserable Thersites, an unpleasant citizen and the ugliest man among the Greeks, dares to rail against Agamemnon, glorious marshal of armies! (Iliad, 246-254) How can he, completely lacking in social and physical stature, challenge the great king of Mycenae and sound the retreat for all the Achaean armies? Not effectively, it seems. Thersites, whose oratory lives up to his appearance, presents a weak argument to the Achaean guests. He compares Agamemnon to a greedy dog, "panting" for even more riches that he "or some other hero" will win for him. (Iliad, 2.263-270) Thersites casts himself as a hero noble enough to challenge Agamemnon, then calls for a retreat on the grounds that Agamemnon is unfit to command the army. He implies that Agamemnon is not responsible enough to be king, declaring that it is "shameful" that such a "high and mighty commander" should "lead the sons of Achaias in bloody slaughter!" (Iliad, 2.272-273) Thersites questions Agamemnon's rank and the qualities appropriate to his kingship, forgetting that he has neither rank nor heroic deeds behind him to support his thesis. Ulysses, a man of rank and virtue, soon reminds him of this. Odysseus shows the power and poise of a great man in his successful rebuke of Thersites. He begins the confrontation with physical intimidation and ends it with a blow from Agamemnon's scepter and threats of further violence and humiliation if Thersites were to prove insolent again. Using a formula that will appeal again in his rebuke of Agamemnon, Odysseus, in reference to Thersites' defeatist diatribe, tells him: "You are the indignation [, not Agamemnon's behavior]." (Iliad, 2.300) Odysseus, in an attempt to prevent the Achaeans from fleeing on ships as Agamemnon had ordered in proof, "relieved him [(Agamemnon)] from the royal scepter of his fathers." (Iliad, 2.215) This might not seem too shocking today, but in Homeric times the king's scepter was the symbol of his authority and this.