Achilles Loss Of Loyalty In The Iliad

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The constant demonstration of grief, death and honour in Homer’s Book XXIV of the Iliad shines illuminates the intricate personal connections between gods and people. Through the act of war the reader visualises the human state and ideology of humanity; we begin to understand the key values of honour and pride during the Homeric period. The affect both loss and triumph have on the characters are shown clearly in their detailed emotions throughout Book XXIV. Achilles loss of his ‘dearest companion’ (cousin in the film) is an exhibit of a transition from loss and grief to acceptance and peace, an overall trend throughout the book.
The personal interaction between people is something that is essential in The Iliad; despite many of the relationships varying from sexual to family to a basis of respect, their crucial involvement in shaping humanity is undisputable. The relationship between Priam and his son Hector is certainly one of the most recognisable as it shows various attributes of humanity. In Priam’s bold move to repossess his son’s body to both carry out funeral rights and find internal composure, his image as a king diminishes when he submits to Achilles as the courageous task is not one a king would traditionally take. In the Film ‘Troy’, by Petersen, the close up camera shots express the emotion and …show more content…

The actions of nobility or lack thereof is ubiquitous throughout all forms of the text (/film). The imagery of warriors throwing themselves into battle in an effort to be remembered in history is one that leaves the reader with an understanding of the importance of this said honour. Evidence of this legacy of war is the literature involving Achilles still holding great value today. As previously mentioned this choice was one made by Achilles himself, in terms of values of the time period it was a decision that rewarded

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