Consider this passage: Homer, Odyssey 11.467-567

There are three important factors to consider in order to interpret passages such as this: context, content and significance.The first, context, involves considering who is speaking, what comes before the passage and intertextualities with other works. For this passage, it is important to note that Odysseus is telling the story, and therefore, perhaps he aims to make himself look good to the Phaeacians. The interaction with Ajax recalls his role in the Iliad and recalls the Iliadic theme of heroism. For content, we consider the rhetorical techniques, characterisations and the events of the narrative. This could include Ajax's loud silence and Odysseus' flattering description of Ajax. For this part of the analysis, it is necessary to consider the Greek itselfThe final factor, significance, is the most important in a question like this. For significance, we consider the points made concerning context and content, and consider the effects of these points. For example, Ajax's refusal to speak with Odysseus suggests a "sore-loser" attitude. This attitude, along with allusions to his suicide, undermine the Iliadic theme of heroism. This is further supported by Achilles' appearance in this book 11, since he states that he would rather serve another man alive than be in the Underworld, but a hero to the living. This is just one piece of evidence which could suggest an anti-Iliadic reading of the Odyssey.