Iliad Tragedy Analysis

When discussing literature, most people would say that The Iliad is the first great tragedy. In literature, a tragedy is defined as a work in which the main character or protagonist encounters extreme loss, pain, and/or sadness. Perhaps one of the most memorable and absolutely tragic deaths that really crushes the main character, Achilleus, in this story is the death of Patroklos, Achilleus’ closest friend and ally. Toward the end of the epic, as the Achaians are being pushed back hard by the Trojan army, Patroklos dons Achilleus’ armor and goes to battle in his stead. And in a disastrous turn of events, Apollo, Euphorbos, and Hektor all have a hand in Patroklos’ death. So, we ask this question: who is responsible for the death of Patroklos?

Achilleus is obliviously arrogant and prideful. At this point in The Iliad, the Achaians are in the proverbial spot between a rock and a hard place. The Trojans have begun a massive push that forces the Achaians back toward their ships and now they are holed-up inside the makeshift wall they recently built along the shore. It does not look promising for the Greek army. As nightfall arrives, Trojan campfires and an innumerable amount of troops comparable to the stars surround the Argives. The Greek camp is in a state of panic. Agamemnon wisely agrees with old man Nestor to ask Achilleus for help. Agamemnon goes through a massive list of gifts – including the girl he took earlier – he plans to give Achilleus if he will return to their army. Three of the choicest Achaian warriors – Aias, Odysseus, and Phoinix – are sent to deliver the message to Achilleus and basically beg for his help. Achilleus’ response is less than cordial and reveals his staggering

Initially, we just see a spoiled adolescent desperately wanting to get his way. As The Iliad progresses, he grows arrogant and more uncaring about his fellow Greeks. And now, he has evolved into something even worse. He has decided to let Patroklos impersonate him in battle in order to gain klaos (Greek word for glory). There are several things wrong with Achilleus’ decision. First, Achilleus knows that the Trojans will be gunning for someone that looks like him, so he immediately painting a massive target on Patroklos’ back. Second, Achilleus is letting someone go into to battle to win glory for him. Not only is this dishonorable, it’s also impractical and unlikely to actually work. Finally, Achilleus is only concerned in what he will get out of this situation and how he will receive all the glory for himself. If Patroklos pushes too far as Achilleus, Achilleus will look foolish and erode his glory. However, if Patroklos makes the push to a point and returns, Achilleus will appear very clever. Achilleus’ greed and thirst for exaltation and honor pave the way for Patroklos’ impending