The love of a father for a son is the strongest human bond in Ransom. Do you agree? We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In Ransom, David Malouf explores the nature of relationships, suggesting that it is the bond between human beings that underpins the quintessential events and transformations in the text. It is Somax's paternal instincts that push Priam into introspection, and their commonality in fatherhood allows them to overcome their great differences and become companions. Similarly, by appealing to fatherhood, the king manages to appease Achilles by arousing the ardent love that the latter feels for his father and his son, and thus the friendship of the two protagonists takes over their previous enmity, determining the temporary truce between the Greeks and the Trojans. Despite the obvious strength of the father-son bond, the love between Hecuba and her husband, which has stood the test of time, gives refuge to a hesitant king who, despite his distrust in the royal sphere, is able to divulge the its "secrets". ' freely to his wife, highlighting the comfort he knows how to look for in this safe relationship. Furthermore, the companionship between Achilles and Patroclus extends beyond brotherhood, and thus the death of his "soul mate" causes the formidable warrior to expel his grief in ways that are beyond the human, suggesting that Patroclus' death has caused Achilles to lose part of his life. his soul, underlining the fixity of their relationship. Therefore, Malouf suggests that a father's love for a son is not the strongest human bond, but that various types of relationships have distinct strengths. The humble carter's friendship for his children and the sincere sorrow he expresses for their passing highlight the father's strength. - bond of the child; furthermore, it triggers the king's self-examination and their fatherhood seals their unification. The anecdotes of Somax's children are told in a "lively" manner and are "so full of emotion", hinting at the tender love that underlies the relationship between the carter and his children. His reflection on a child as he "ruminates" on the "song that [his son] sang" and even "his curse", highlights that Somax's keen memories are a testament to the depth of his love as he is able to identify every child as an individual with distinct mannerisms. As he reflects on his grief, Somax states that his children are "tied [to him] in this way", symbolically pointing to his heart, and it is in this way that Malouf suggests that his children are the crux of his being, highlighting the sheer strength of the father-son bond. Furthermore, Somax's positive insights into his family life stimulate the king's introspection into his dealings with fatherhood. The tenderness of Somax's memories arouses in Priam a "curiosity" that he has never encountered in the too formal "real sphere". Discussing “blessed…children” and the deep grief that makes the carter “sweat…at the memory,” an appeal to fatherhood establishes a bond between the two protagonists, and forces Priam to consider the appropriateness of his grief over Hector's death and, by extension, for his role as a father. Self-reflection reveals that the king's relationship with his children is merely “formal and symbolic,” arousing a feeling of regret for not having “intertwined his children” with his “affections.” It is therefore through Somax's appeal to fatherhood that the king has a newfound responsibility as a father that drives him to restore his son's body to its rightful place. Consequently, Priam's epiphany about the importance of filial relationships allows him to appeal to Achilles as a father. and so, despite their hostility, they are able to declare.