* The loss of his sons: He laments the deaths of many of his sons, including Hector, the greatest of them all. He vividly describes their youthful promise and how they are now gone, leaving him heartbroken.
* His own vulnerability: Priam is old and frail, and he desperately pleads with Achilles to return Hector's body. He emphasizes his own helplessness and the tragic weight of his losses.
* The universality of grief: He connects with Achilles, reminding him of his own father and the pain of losing a child. This appeal to shared human experience makes Priam's plight relatable and evokes sympathy.
Priam's speech highlights the devastating impact of war on individuals and families, making his grief a powerful symbol of the human cost of conflict. His words resonate with readers because they capture the universal emotions of loss and pain.