Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Choices of the Iliad
In the text we read about how Achilles is consumed by his anger towards Agamemnon and refuses to enter the war. He rejects everyone who tries to compel him into joining the war. Even after many tries Achilles continues to hold on to his anger and resentment. With this being said, do you think that if Patroclus had lived instead of being killed in battle, Achilles would have eventually entered the war anyway? If so, how long do you think that would have taken?
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I think Achilles probably would have entered the war at some point. He wanted the fame and glory that war could offer. I think Patroclus' death did force him into the war to seek revenge, but I think before the end of the war came Achilles would have decided to fight regardless.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that he would have eventually entered the war. He knew before he even sailed to Troy that he was going to die in battle and that he would be remembered for thousands of years. I think knowing that he would be remembered for so long as 'Achilles the greatest Achaean warrior' was more enticing than living as a family man and that was why he was there in the first place.
ReplyDeleteGood question--one that makes you think.
ReplyDeleteI think both Achilles and Hector's honor rested on Achilles joining the war. Even Hector knew that his true match (and hence the reason for his glory) was Achilles. So, I think, if no one else, Hector would have eventually challenged him.
I do believe that Achilles would have eventually entered the war even if Patroclus had not been killed in battle. It is hard to say when, but although Achilles was stubborn and selfish, he did not come across as a cold hearted individual. Therefore, once he realized that the Greeks were terribly losing in the war and that countless lives were being lost, he would have stepped in. I am sure that he would have eventually realized that by stepping in and helping the Greeks, he would gain honor and glory, which is something he was continually striving towards.
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