The Iliad: The Glory of War vs. Family Life
A person's character is dictated by their actions. In The Iliad, Homer forces the characters to choose between being with their family and achieving glory from fighting in the war. The heroes in the epic poem demonstrate a strong desire for fame. They disregard their families' wishes and risk their lives in order to achieve greatness and gain praise from others. Achilles exemplifies this trait with his decision to stay in the Trojan War instead of going home to his father. Hector shows this characteristic by not listening to his wife, Andromache, and his parents, Priam and Hecuba. By leaving Achilles and going into battle, Patroclus demonstrates this trait. The non-heroic characters choose family life over military glory and are viciously criticized for it. For example, Paris demonstrates this trait by being with Helen while the war is being fought. Through the decisions and actions of Hector, Achilles, Patroclus, and Paris, it is evident that military glory is more important than family life. Hector chooses to enter battle instead of staying with his wife and son. He risks his life in order to gain military glory. Andromache pleads to Hector, "Pity me, please. Take your stand on the rampart here, before you orp
He accomplishes this task and removes the Trojans from the camp. Helen is making the statement that loved ones are less important than military prowess. Hector gives this prayer to his son because he does not know if he will return from battle. Hector ignores his parents' cries and continues to wait for Achilles. Though Hector displays concern for his family, he still reaches for glory by going to war. Patroclus knows how much Achilles will be hurt if he dies in battle. While Achilles wishes to return home, his desire for glory and revenge overpowers him and he decides to stay even if the result is death. Paris, on the other hand, decides to stay with Helen rather than risk his life in battle, but he is treated with disrespect because of his choice. Hector knows his fate, but still stays to fight Achilles. Hector also chooses fame and glory despite his father's opposing wishes. Paris chooses to stay with Helen, his loved one, rather than risking his life in battle. han your son and make your wife a widow" (Fagles 210).
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