What do Somax’s and Priam’s stories of the loss of their sons tell us about each man?

Priam undergoes a massive character transformation from a father who only associates with his children through tradition and ceremony, to a man with a deep compassion and concern for others. He goes from a King who is accustomed to having others speak for him, to a man who can express his own raw emotions in order to recieve his son's body for proper burial. As the novel's protagonist, Priam's transformation is vital to the overall message of Ransom.

Somax is not as old as Priam, but obviously worn down by his many years of hard labor. He shares many insightful stories with Priam about fatherhood and humanity. He relates to Priam in that the majority of his children have perished under difficult circumstances; however, unlike Priam, he was very close to each one during their lives. Somax is kind and understanding. He helps Priam understand what it is to be human.