Forgive and Forget

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The rage that first overtook Achilles in the Iliad eventually subsides to compromise with his king, reconciliation with his enemies, and complete acceptance of his fate. The quarrel that incites Achilles anger is never resolved but is instead put into the past by a compromise with Agamemnon. Achilles' anger over the death of Patrokolus rages until the death and disgrace of Hector. Only through avenging his fallen comrade can Achilles accept his fate and quell his fury. After the disgrace of Hector and the ransoming of his body, a complete and meaningful reconciliation between Priam and Achilles resolves the epic. All the rage, death, and destruction of the Iliad are ended in a quiet and meaningful reconciliation between Priam and Achilles.

Words in the Iliad cut deeper than any spear point or bronze blade. Achilles wrath and the events that follow are the result of Agamemnon's harsh words. Achilles, in the best interest of the Achaeans, suggests that Agamemnon follow the advice of the prophet Kalchas and return the daughter of Chryses, in turn ending Apollo's plague. Enraged at the prophet and Achilles' support for him, Agamemnon turns on Achilles, threatening to "Take the fair-cheeked Briseis,/ your prize, I myself going to your shelter, that you may learn well/ how much greater I am than you" (Iliad,1.184-186). Achilles' anger at Agamemnon is obvious in his response. "Now I am returning to Phthia, since it is much better/ to go home again with my curved ships, and I am minded no longer/ to stay here dishonored and pile up your wealth and your luxury." (I,l.169-171). Achilles, so upset with the dishonor Agamemnon placed on him, withdraws from fighting.

Now, both Achilles and Agamemnon h...

... middle of paper ...

...urdering his sons, and Achilles is remorseful of the pain he caused Priam, thinking of his own father. Reconciliation for both characters is a temporary hiatus from the pain that waits outside Achilles' tent. Priam must return to his coward sons and havocked city. Achilles must return to life without Patrokolus and his fate. Despite his impending death in Troy, Achilles still releases the body of Hector, proving their reconciliation.

Beginning with threats and episodes of rage, the Iliad finishes with kind words and reconciliation of enemies. Rage, though consuming at first, cannot withstand time and will eventually ebb. Empathy and compromise fill the void left by cutting words and actions. From Achilles we learn that one cannot rage forever, and the only way to bring closure to painful events of the past is to make amends, to forgive and to forget.

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