The speaker reflects on the profound sorrow of Achilles, suggesting that true grief is a complex experience that requires a certain form to be expressed. He underscores the importance of structure in conveying deep emotions; without it, feelings are akin to simple outbursts that lack depth and resonance. Just as a stubbed toe may elicit a cry, grief demands a richer articulation to capture its essence.
By distinguishing between grievances and grief, the speaker indicates that while grievances may surface in everyday petitions, genuine grief is an artistic experience meant for poetry. This emphasizes that authentic emotional expression goes beyond mere complaints and requires a thoughtful framework to resonate and echo within the human experience.