Conflicts Between Fathers and Women in the Lives of Warriors
The respect that a father receives as head of the family is obvious in the Iliad. Not only is the father the primary concern in the Iliad, but also the paternal expectations are the basis for the heroic code. However, women in the Iliad are a contradiction to the fathers in the beliefs that the heroic code is not the most important aspect of the warriors' lives.The warrior comes after the king in the social structure. Although he ranks second, the warrior has a powerful position in society. The warrior is dependent on the community for glory and commemoration because that is the only way he can reach the status of a "hero." The thought of being a hero is every warrior's dream. In order to obtain that goal, the warriors followed a heroic code, a set of rules, which have the potential to elevate a reputation to that of a hero. The code incorporates many regulations, but the biggest part of the heroic code comes from the paternal endorsement of the father. With the opening of the poem, we see how important that father's name is in describing the identity of the hero. Agamemnon, in his first introduction to the reader, is referred to as "Atreus' son."(1.8). Genealogy even has the power to cease battle between enemies. Su
Fathers, on the other hand, think dying in battle brings about fame and kleos. However, Diomedes arises the fact that is it wrong and cowardice to retreat and leave. She begs her husband to stay home and not go to the battle. Priam is able to appeal to Achilleus by evoking memories of Achilleus' father. If he is afraid, the warrior cannot win; which, in turn, he will earn no honor. Let him be strong and brave and rule in power at Ilion; then someday men will say 'This fellow is far better than his father!' seeing him home from war, and in his arms the bloodstained gear of some tall warrior slain- making his mother proud (6. The aged Priam comes to offer Achilleus ransom for the return of Hektor's body. After Glaukos has given the full story of his ancestry, Diomedes realizes that their grandfathers have been friends and says, "Why, / you are my friend! My grandfather, Oineus, / made friends of us long ago"(6. Aphrodite also attempts to save the life of a man from war. Priam says, "Achilleus, be reverent toward the great gods! And take pity on me, remember your own father"(24. These women are the only vehicles by which the heroic code and making of the hero are solidified. He must never shame the generations of his fathers. Naturally, women will be opposed to war because it destroys the lives of their sons and husbands. Being faced with death but overcoming this fear and coming out as a victor of the battle brings honor to the father. The warrior must not be tempted to return home before the war is over, because he cannot win the war.
Common topics in this essay:
,
Iliad Andromache,
Priam Achilleus,
heroic code,
faced death,
honor father,
saving life,
home battle,
paternal injunction,
paternal expectations,
code women,
stay home,
home war,
|
Acceptance Essays
