Iliad and Achilles Speech - 849 Words

In the modern world, people, as a society, have always given themselves a goal or goals that they would like to attain at some point during their lifetime. Many people seek to attain riches, love, happiness or high stature within society. When we people set that goal, we tend to mold our lifestyles around it. As people work throughout their lives to achieve this ultimate goal, it becomes apparent to others what it is we are working so hard for. Just as this pattern is evident in modern society, it can also be seen in the times of Homer, particularly in the great Greek epic, the Iliad. This distinct pattern can be seen in Achilles, one of the most vital characters in the story. Achilles, being the ultimate most powerful warrior of all†¦show more content†¦This insecurity is the source of Achilles #8220;duty#8221; to exact revenge upon Hektor, the assassin of Patroklos. Achilles makes the decision to kill Hektor in spite of the fact that his fate will be to die. Even th ough Achilles plans to attack Hektor for vengeful purposes, he has an underlying motive. Because Achilles feels he has failed his friend, he wants or needs to save face. This is in order to keep his goal of ultimate glory within his grasp. Achilles sees the opportunity his been waiting for all his life. By killing Hektor and then being slain himself, he achieves his lofty goal of ultimate glory. It is evident through this passage that Homer is building up this grand battle between two of the greatest warriors of this time period. Achilles, already regarded as the greatest fighter, speaks of Hektor not in a degrading manner, rather in a respectful manner, taking into account his numerous heroic feats. #8220;#8230;my other companions, who in their numbers went down before the glorious Hektor#8221; (378, Iliad, 18.102). Homer wrote this line as if he were a promoter of a boxing fight. He lifts the strength of Hektor#8217;s character, and in doing so makes for a more rivaled bat tle. At this point in the passage, Achilles in a sense forewarns everyone of his intentions,Show MoreRelatedJustice and Love in the Iliad 959 Words   |  4 Pages Simone Weil argues that the way Homer presents war and the use of force in the Iliad, in all of its brutality, violence, and bitterness bathes the work in the light of love and justice (pg 25). The point Weil is making is that by depicting the suffering of all of these men regardless of their side, or strength Homer equalizes them in a â€Å"condition common to all men†(pg 25). Because Homer equalizes them the reader can feel empathy, or at least compassion for all of the men. 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