Death And The Iliad
Death and the Iliad
Malgorzata Darowska
Before it was written, The Iliad was a poem told orally by the Greeks. The Iliad
presents modern day readers with information about the Greek society many years ago in
the B.C. time period. This poem portrays the important values of the Greek society
during a heroic age. This heroic age is conveyed by one main character, Achilles. Achilles represents the tragic Greek hero in The Iliad, tragic because he chose his own death. Achilles knew (because of his mother Thetis), that he could either lead a long and
insignificant life, or die young but glorious. Achilles chose the latter. Throughout The
Iliad, Achilles went through some significant changes that affected himself, as well as the
Achaeans and Trojans. He began a hero and ended a tragic hero.
The Trojan War is vital to Greek mythology and provides a backdrop for
discussion. Before the war even started, however, it was known by all Trojans and
Achaeans that Achilles was the best fighter. He was the hero of all fighters. In a way this
was bad, and in a way this was good. Achilles was overflowing with pride, which built up
his confidence. Consequently, it was his confidence that brought on his early death.
It all began when Agamemnon stole away Briseis, Achilles' woman. To ease the
anger Achilles had for Agamemnon, Thetis asked Zeus to provide honor for her son,
Achilles. Zeus granted her request by promising that the Achaeans would suffer enough
losses to force Agamemnon to come begging for Achilles' help.
The first major change in Achilles was caused by his rage toward Agamemnon.
Achilles, the great warrior, allowed his wrath to infest his desire to help his own comrades in the battle against the Trojans. It was his determination to maintain his pride that led way to his unwavering stubbornness. Because Achilles...
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