Achilles is set upon the emotional side of the mind. His actions and decisions revolve very closely on his emotions, which is usually anger. He shows no mercy for Hector, he is ruthless and cruel in his ways with the enemy, almost like war is the only answer. But he also is seeking revenge for his close friend Patroclus who was killed by Hector. To see such a mighty creature, such as Achilles, and to face him was almost too much for Hector too bear. He ran like a coward when Achilles came over the hill, but who wouldn't. Achilles is almost revered like a god because of his great strength. He is almost the embodiment of Ares himself. He strikes down all in war, no mercy, just death all around him, as is his job.
Achilles is not totally without mercy, though. But his decisions are still based on emotions. He is merciful to Priam, but at first it is only because of that nobility he senses from Priam, from his enemy. They both are equals, possessing a quality that makes them seem great even though they are still both human. Achilles feels pity for Priam and also he remembers his own father. Again the key word is feels. Achilles goes to great measures with Priam to make sure Priam does not flare up or become angry, because that in turn would make Achilles angry and strike down the old man without thinking. The strange thing about Achilles, besides his almost uncontrollable, emotional actions, is that he knows about these faults. He knows that he might strike down Priam in rage. He knows he is over emotional, he even cried with Priam so that is obvious, but he does nothing to change. Maybe change is not possible and he is one of those who just accepts the way things are. Like Oedipus, he i!
s the man he is, but Achilles is slightly more aware of who he is than Oedipus. Maybe too much, Achilles is somewhat arrogant, but it is a truthful arrogance. Everyone knows that Achilles is great and powerful, and he knows that himself. He doesn't ...