Achilles Anger In The Iliad

The story, The Iliad, is an epic poem written by an ancient Greek poet, Homer, set during year nine of the ten-year Trojan War between the Greeks and the Trojans. Written in the min-eighth century bc, it’s often considered the earliest work in world literature and it was heavily influenced by the Greek and Roman culture. It explores many themes such as anger, strife, alienation and reconciliation. The main theme, however, is anger, specifically Achilles’. Achilles' rage in the Iliad was not justifiable, he did everything out of his thirst for being remembered, he was overdramatic and his personality in general as seen during his interactions with Agamemnon, and Hector’s and Patroclus’ deaths.
The story opens with a discussion between …show more content…
"Achilles (pronounced uh-KILL-eez) is one of the most important warriors in Greek mythology. He had strength, bravery, military skills, pride, and honor—all qualities that the ancient Greeks prized as manly virtues. Yet his behavior was also shaped by anger, stubbornness, and revenge," (UXL Encyclopedia of World Mythology). The author of this quote demonstrates how Achilles is a fantastic warrior, but he was too angry, stubborn and sought revenge. These qualities can make a good warrior bad and undesirable to work with, no one wants to command someone who won’t follow their instructions. Another example of Achilles personality being all around terrible is when he killed Hector, "Meanwhile the Trojans, angry because Achilles will not return Hector's corpse for proper funeral ceremonies, mourn the death of their hero," (Iliad, The, Wickersham). Wickersham is illustrating how Achilles’ was so disrespectful to Hector’s body and Hector’s family by messing with it and not returning it for a proper ceremony. "Achilles and the Greeks fight fiercely to prevent Patroclus’ corpse from suffering indignities like the ones they themselves inflict on Hector’s corpse. Gathering round, the Greeks stab the Trojan prince’s body, jesting that “Hector’s a lot softer to the touch now/Than he was when he was burning our ships” (Iliad, 22.413–414)...Proper disposal of the dead …show more content…
He does many unjustifiable things because of his anger, as seen with Agamemnon, Hector, and Patroclus. His overdramatic tendencies caused him to stop aiding the Greeks by pulling his entire army out of war and slaughter innumerous Trojans. His thirst for never-ending fame caused him to disrespect Hector’s corpse and it also ended in his very own death. Lastly, his sour and fiery personality caused him to belittle Hector’s body and not allow him safe passage to the other world and almost cost the Greeks the war. In conclusion, Achilles’ did terrible and unacceptable things that were not