Read the following text from a novel. This excerpt is about Achilles and Agamemnon.

Question

Because he was turned, Agamemnon did not see Achilles' hand go to his sword. My breath caught. I knew that he was capable of this, a single thrust through Agamemnon's cowardly heart. I saw the struggle on his face. I still do not know why he stopped himself; perhaps he wanted greater punishment for the king than death.
"Agamemnon," he said. I flinched from the roughness of his voice. The king turned, and Achilles drove a finger into his chest. The high king could not stop the huff of surprise. "Your words today have caused your own death, and the death of your men. I will fight for you no longer. Without me, your army will fall."
From Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles: A Novel. Copyright 2012 by Madeline Miller
The previous text suggested that Athena convinces Achilles not to attack Agamemnon. How does this novel build on or challenge that idea?
it shows that accilles made his decision without meddling form the gods.
it suggests that other god wanted Achilles to attack agamemnon
it shows that Achilles did not hesitate to attack agamemnon
it shows that Achilles did not hesitate to attack agamemnon
it shows that Achilles did not hesitate attack agamemnon

Answer 1

The excerpt from "The Song of Achilles" presents a nuanced portrayal of Achilles' internal conflict, suggesting that his decision not to attack Agamemnon stems from his own reasoning rather than divine intervention. This builds on the idea that Achilles is capable of exercising his own judgment, as he weighs the consequences of his actions and chooses to withhold immediate violence. The struggle on his face indicates that the choice is significant and personal, perhaps reflecting a desire to inflict greater punishment through the outcome of war rather than a swift act of vengeance.

Therefore, the correct interpretation would be that it shows that Achilles made his decision without meddling from the gods. While the presence of the gods often influences the actions and fate of characters in classical mythology, this passage emphasizes Achilles' autonomy and the weight of his decision.