ACHILLES

2. Create an insightful Character Analysis for ACHILLES as illustrated in books 7-12.
• What kind of warrior was he, especially in Book 9?
• Are his decisions appropriate for a king like him? Why? Why not?

Brad Pitt as Achilles in the movie Troy

ACHILLES

Achilles was the greatest hero of the Trojan War and the central character of Homer’s epic poem Iliad. He is the only son of the mortal King of Phthia Peleus and a seanymph named Thetis. Achilles possesses superhuman strength and has a close relationship with the gods. He has all the marks of a great warrior. He is the mightiest man in the Achaean army but his negative/ hidden side hinders his ability to act with nobility and integrity. He cannot control his pride and anger. This attribute poisons him that he abandons his comrades and even prays that the Trojans will slaughter them all because he has been slighted at the hands of his commander Agamemnon. Achilles is driven primarily by a thirst for glory. Part of him yearns to live a long, easy life but he knows that his personal fate forces him to choose between the two. Ultimately, he is willing to sacrifice everything else so that his name will be remembered.

In Book 9, Agamemnon offered Achilles gifts because the Achaean army was losing against the Trojans. Nestor advised Agamemnon to ask forgiveness to Achilles for Achilles might be their last chance for vengeance. Agamemnon listened to him and agreed. He sent Odysseus, big Aias, Odios, Eurybates and Phoinix to talk about his offer to Achilles. But Achilles did not accept any of Agamemnon’s offers. This makes me jump into the conclusion that Achilles is unforgiving. He doesn’t want to fight even though his comrades need him. To make it simple, he only thinks of himself and he doesn’t have any concern/regard for others. And this is what we call being selfish. His pride and ego was too much. One evidence for this is when he said that Hector can’t fight back at him.

For me, his decisions as a king were not appropriate. His decisions became inappropriate because of his judgments, pride and anger. He should possess the qualities of wisdom, knowledge and counsel when making decisions. Again, he should not only think of himself but for the common good. That’s the real mark of a true king!

ALL ABOUT HERA

Hera’s attitude is a perfect example of “impartiality/fairness/equality in battle.”
· Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
· Cite examples from books 1-5 of the Iliad that prove your stand.

First of all, who is Hera?

Hera was the wife and older sister of Zeus. Hera's mother was Rhea and her father was Cronus. She is considered as “Queen of the Gods”.

HERA

(QUEEN OF THE GODS)

I don’t agree that Hera is fair, partial and equal when it comes to battle. Hera is known for her jealous and vengeful nature.

Here are the proofs on my stand:


Book I- Hera addresses Zeus and taunts him for making secret plans because she is concerned that the Greeks, whom she favors, will be slighted. Zeus tells Hera to mind her own business, but Hera guesses Thetis' request and predicts the deaths of many Greeks as a result of it.

Book II- Hera, upset at seeing this, approaches Athena and tells her to go to Troy and convince the Greeks to stay. Athena goes to Odysseus and tells him that this is not the way it should be, encouraging him to stop the fleeing army.

Book III- None mentioned in Book 3

Book IV- Hera gets very angry at the prospect of the Greeks being slighted, Zeus becomes very upset with Hera and asks her if she remembers all the sacrifices the Trojans have made on her behalf and tells her to do as she pleases but to beware.

Hera offers the Greek cities of Argos, Sparta and Mycenae in exchange and appeals to Zeus so that they may yield to each other.

Book V- Athena and Hera dress for battle to aid the Greeks and descend to the field in a chariot. Hera drives the chariot to Diomedes and Athena mocks him in an attempt to lift his spirit.