Literature Class of 2014
Fyffe Senior bloggers worked on Battle of the Royal Epics
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Background
Choosing to explain the background of The Iliad, this epic is essentially a war story about heroic warriors, like Achilles, who do their best to achieve arête, or personal honor and excellence. Back then it was honorable to fight bravely for a king and his comrades and dishonorable to seek safety when threatened. Achilles strives for revenge and races to Hector, while Hector tries to run away from his problems. It was preferred to die at the hands of an enemy than to live with the dishonor of fighting and failed to give his best. Soon Hector, thinking he could actually win the battle, stops running from Achilles and shows his honor by dying at the hands of his enemy.
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ReplyDeleteI agree, although Hector does die in battle I don't believe he deservers any honor. He ran from Achilles in the beginning trying to avoid the fight, which is dishonorable during this time period. To make matters worse, not only did Hector run from Achilles, but he also begged for mercy when he saw that the battle wasn't going his way.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your description of The Iliad's background. I agree that Hector's life ended with honor because he died fighting his enemy, Achilles; however, I do not think Hector should have "gained" his honor. Hector killed Achilles's best friend, Patroclus. In the Greek's culture, warriors were supposed to have a proper burial; otherwise, they would not have an afterlife. Hector chose to leave the body instead of giving it to the Greek people. I believe Achilles avenged Patroclus by killing Hector.
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