Power of words
Odysseus is sure that the world is run by those who can speak well. He is a good speaker himself and uses the words that hit the target, but this skill came to him with years of sour experience.
“And even in youth was active handed, slow of tongue, but now I see that words not deeds must take the lead, when issues arrive at the critical point.”
In the dialogue between Philoctetes and Neoptolemus, the first one remarks that Odysseus is really a master of speaking.
“For I well know how capable he is of laying his tongue to any wicked tale or evil stratagem so long as he can so advance injustice to whatever end he would”.
Conquered human nature
Neoptolemus finds it a shameful thing to tell lies; he “would rather fail through acting well than win by evil means”. But under the weight of Odysseus' arguments, he yields. Human nature is not stable, since a person tends to change mind, especially under the pressure of others’ opinion, and when one’s fame and glory is touched, it is possible that a person might give way.
Odysseus. “If you accomplish this twin prizes will be yours”.
Neoptolemus. “Twin prizes? Learning what they are I shall comply”.
Odysseus. “You will be called both wise and brave... “
Neoptolemus. “So be it then. I'll do it, and ignore the shame”
Hard stepping
Philoctetes’s inability to walk quickly, because of his wound, is metaphorically paraphrased.
“It is clear to me that he has somewhere close dragged wearily his steps in quest of food”.
Speaking noise
When Philoctetes is approaching his poor dwelling, the sound of his steps speaks of his sufferings and wrecked fate.
“I hear a noise as of a man who shares his life with caustic pain - somewhere over there, or there. It strikes, yes, strikes my ear the sound authentic of a man who creeps in inevitable pain upon his way, nor can I fail to know the grievous sound far off of bitter human torment. Its tone is obvious.”
Emotions
Neoptolemus has insulted Odysseus with words, his emotions overwhelmed him.
“My anger flared again at once, and I began to hurl at him each and every taunt that came to mind”.
