Achilles :: essays research papers

In the modern world, people, as a society, have always given themselves a finishing 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 at bottom society. When we people set that goal, we t closure 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 broad 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 every(prenominal) time, wishes for nothing in his life but to be the most glorious man alive, mortal or immortal. It is this profound desire for glory and honor, that in the end leads to his demise. Achilles speech, given while he is distra ught over the death of his closest friend Patroklos, is an excellent example of Achilles&8217 desire (Iliad, 18.79). Patroklos is slayed by Hektor, the Trojans greatest warrior and Achilles&8217 main rival. Hektor, takes the equip (given to him by Achilles&8217) off of his dead body, and puts it on himself. Hektor is described as &8220riding around in all its glory. After word of Patroklos&8217 death, the Achaians are intensely dejected. To denominate just how disheartened the Greeks are, Homer describes the men as lamenting.&8220(Then sighing heavily)&8230 my dear companion has perished, Patroklos, whom I loved beyond all other companions, as advantageously as my own life&8230Thetis spoke to him, letting tears fall (377, Iliad, 18.78).It can be sensed that, although in deep mourning for his lost friend, Achilles is just as well upset because he sensed a slight degree of failure. &8220Now, since I am not going back to the beloved land of my fathers, since I was no light of safety to Patroklos, nor to my other companions&8230(378, Iliad, 18.101).This failure in the sense that, Achilles being the greatest warrior in all the land able to kill hordes of men at will, was incapable of saving the person that mattered the most to him. This insecurity is the source of Achilles &8220duty to exact revenge upon Hektor, the assassin of Patroklos. Achilles makes the decision to kill Hektor in spite of the fact that his chance will be to die.