Achilles
The ability to remain true to one's own virtues is a trying task. Religious convictions are capable of altering choices one may make. I find it admirable when one is capable of letting their religious convictions have precedence over their own feelings. Having integrity towards one's self and standing firm in decisions based on that integrity is also just as admirable. Throughout Homer's Iliad Achilles's unwavering integrity to himself by not allowing the words of mortals persuade him from his decisions and firm adherence to his religious convictions prove him an admirable character.Achilles's mercurial anger first presents itself in book one when King Agamemnon takes Briseis, Achilles's war prize, in replacement for returning Chryseis to her father. Briseis was more than a trophy of war to Achilles and he treated her in the same manner an Achaean man might treat his wife. Achilles confronts King Agamemnon and during their heated argument Achilles brandishes his sword. Hera, who would be displeased to see either man hurt, sends Athena to intervene and stop any physical violence that may take place between the two men. "So she urged/ and the swift runner complied at once: I must-/ when the two of you hea
It is important to Achilles that men are aware of his own integrity to himself in his decision making processes and that bribes have no effect on him. d down commands, Goddess,/ a man submits though his heart breaks with fury. Zues holds a meeting with the gods and together they decide Hector will have a proper burial. Achilles's integrity insists that he honors Patroclus by killing Hector though it will seal the fate of Achilles. Achilles's ability to stay true to his choices, even in times of grief, took strength. Again, Achilles adheres to the will of the gods though his feelings dictate otherwise. In book eighteen Patroclus, Achilles's dear friend, is killed by Hector. Refusing to fight for King Agamemnon in shame, Achilles withdraws himself from war. Achilles replies, "I hate that man like the very Gates of Death/ who says one thing but holds another in his heart. By committing himself completely to his own integrity and his religious convictions Achilles not only proves himself as an admirable character but also a man of substance. Though Achilles does accept the ransom he makes it point to let Priam know that Hector's body is being returned by Achilles's own choice that he arrived at on his own, and also that the ransom has not persuaded him. Achilles's heart aches for Briseis and his soul is meant for war but because of his integrity to himself he stands firm in his choice and won't be persuaded by Odysseus and King Agamemnon. By choosing to avenge Hector for the death of Patroclus Achilles must accept the soon oncoming of death that awaits him as has been prophesied.
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Acceptance Essays
