Duryodhana’s actions are described — They reveal his diplomacy and inner fear by the following indications:
1Duryodhana although mentioned as king, goes to the commander on account of seriousness of situation – quite fit to be a politician (1.2)
2Points out Drona’s mistake (of imparting military secrets to son of Drupada, Dhrstadyumna who was born to kill Dronacharya) to make him alert and uncompromising and warns that leniency would lead to defeat (1.3*)
3Mentions great heros equal to Bhima and Arjuna (1.4*)
Why he compares them to Bhima and Arjuna –
Because he knew the strength of Bhima and Arjuna
Why he mentions other heros –
Because they were great stumbling blocks on the path of victory as each and every one of them was as formidable and Bhima and Arjuna
4Mentions heros who are ready to lay down their lives for “me” (like Jayadratha, Krtavarma, Salya) (1.9)
5Praises Bhisma — He was confident of full support of Bhismadeva and Dronacarya because:
They did not protect Draupadi when she was insulted
Although Bhisma and Drona have affection for Pandavas and might become lenient, he hoped that they will give up all affection now (1.11)
6Asks for everyone’s support for Bhisma (1.11) — because
Bhismadeva was undoubtedly the great hero, but he was an old man and the enemy might take advantage of his full engagement on one side
He wanted everyone to feel important
cDuryodhana compared Bhisma (more experienced general) to Bhima (less experienced general) (1.10*)
Because Duryodhana knew if he should die at all he would be killed by Bhima and was therefore always envious of Bhima
Bhima is like a fig in the presence of Bhisma
dWhat made Duryodhana confident of victory (1.7 – 1.11)
Above mentioned strength of his friends (1.7 – 1.9)
Presence of Bhisma, a far superior General than Bhima – He clearly felt that victory of Kurus dependent on the presence of Bhismadeva (1.11)
Confident of full support of Bhisma and Drona as they had shown during Draupadi’s insulting episode (1.11 purport)