Somax is used in Ransom merely to provide entertainment and humour. Do you agree?

English 27th May Nathan Wong 12K

The use of elements to symbolise personalities is a key theme in Maloufs Ransom. Water and earth are the predominant elements in the novel, representing fluidity and stability respectively. Somax is very much a man of the earth. He is an ordinary, hard-working farmer who plays an integral role in the text as the character who provides a contrast to the royalty and esteem held by the likes of those such as Priam and Achilles. His remarks, as a result of being so different to others in the book, can be seen as humorous, but also play a key role in providing insight on events through the eyes of a person who, in almost every way, can be regarded as a regular man. Somaxs most important part of the novel is undoubtedly his time spent with Priam by the river Scamander. As soon as the men reach the river, their contrasting reactions tell a story of just how different they are. Somax, playing harmlessly with the small fish, turns to look at Priam, who Malouf describes as uncertain and out of placelike a child, a bit on the slow side. The fact that Priam is so unfamiliar with nature and the wildlife of the river is the polar opposite of Somax, who makes a living off of the earth, and isnt the slightest bit afraid of the small fingerlings in the water. As part of his connection with nature, Somax is described by Priam as a chatterer. It is through these spontaneous stories that Priam learns of his carters fine appreciation for the smaller things in life, such as the griddlecakes he offers him. Somax rambles on about how adept his daughter-in-law is at making them, and how very quick and neat you have to be to perfect the process. Priam on the other hand, did not even consider that the food that came to his tablemight have ingredients, thus showing his naivety in all things outside the royal sphere [things] unnecessary to royal observance or feeling. Somax exposes Priam to the things in life that he was yet unable to experience himself as a result of being fated to the royal life of a king. Perhaps the most significant lesson learnt by Priam is the importance of family. In another one of Somaxs stories, he informs Priam of the death of his son in a cart-driving accident. He is not afraid to display his emotions in front of his King, confiding to Priam that his sons death had left a gap [he] couldnt ignore. Its there. Always. It is through this information that Priam establishes a true connection with Somax, one that surpasses what would be expected of his Idaeus. Priam takes a moment to reflect on his inner feelings, and given the death of his son Hector, reasons that surely he of all men knew what it was like to lose a son. The question he then asks himself is whether he had taken this phrase too easily. After hearing all of what Somax felt for his son, did it really mean the same for him as it did to the driver? Perhaps for the first time in his life, Priam has come to the realisation that he does not share the same relationship with his sons that a commoner such as Somax does. By telling just a few small stories, Somax has shifted Priams initial belief that what
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Somax is used in Ransom merely to provide entertainment and humour. Do you agree?
English 27th May Nathan Wong 12K

[Somax] had to say was a way of filling the time, to being pleased at the opportunity to sit and listen to the others talk. Priam had gained the appreciation for the importance of loving ones family, and by the time they were to again resume their travels, he had set off with a goal in mind to reclaim his sons body, this time not only because he was prompted to do so from the Gods in a vision, but because he had learnt what it had meant to be a loving father. Malouf himself comments that [Ransoms] primary interest is in storytelling itself why stories are told and why we need to hear them. It is through this reasoning that defines Somax as being one of the most important characters in the novel. Being a common man with little material goods, his love lies with his family and his mules. His insignificance is unlikely to be remembered by others around him he is not royalty, he has not won battles nor valiantly fought off foes. Somaxs great interest in storytelling is because he relies on his tales to leave his legacy on the world. Whether or not he is known as a liar or a stealer of other mens tales does not concern him; the mere fact that he is regarded in such ways means he is being remembered. The principle of listeners being unable to distinguish lies from truth also applies to readers of Ransom. Can we be sure the events in the Iliad did in fact take place, or was Homers poem an adaptation of reality? The inability to answer the question with absolute certainty is testament to Maloufs message that the truth of stories relies heavily on the perception of the storyteller. Somaxs character exemplifies the different interpretations that can stem from the same event. This is evident when Priams son Helenus identifies the flying animal in the sky to be an eagle; a good omen symbolising Joves emblem and messenger, one that will guide Priam to safety. Somax on the other hand, perceives the very same creature to be nothing more than a chickenhawk, as he believes not in rituals, but thinks in terms of function and survival. This is a rather large step down from the grand bird seen by Helenus and the royal council, and is a prime example of how different individuals can construe very different understandings. The fact that Somax is not an original character in Homers Iliad means that Maloufs inclusion of him in Ransom intends for him to adopt a key role one exceeding more than just a comical character. Through his contribution of unique views, he helps Priam to transition into a mans world, so that he may approach Achilles not as the King of Troy, but rather as a fellow man who has love for his son.

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