Achilles: The Story Of Achilles In The Iliad

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Is the story of Achilles a redemptive story? Redemption is a powerful and inspirational theme in literature, and because all mankind is in need of redemption, all readers can connect to a redemptive story. A story is redemptive when a character experiences freedom from the vices or bad situations in their life. Redemption is to be set free, and the word “redeem” means to essentially purchase or pay for something; freedom is bought with a price. The price for redemption is often a sacrifice. The tale of Achilles in the Iliad encompasses this theme of redemption by exhibiting both sacrifice, and freedom. Achilles is freed of his anger, pride, and selfish motives. Achilles’ story is redemptive that demonstrates the freedom and transformation that is the result of redemption.
Achilles’ redemption was first shown when he decides to put away his anger and rage. Achilles’ anger was made known in the very first line of the Iliad. “Sing, Goddess, the anger of Peleus’ son Achilles” (59; bk.1, ln.1). He nearly murdered Agamemnon in his rage; he was only stopped because of the interference of the gods. “The anger came on …show more content…

It was clear by his actions that he chose glory rather than a long life, but, even after death, he experiences redemption. After his death, and his entrance into Hades, Achilles conversed with Odysseus, exhibiting his true change of motivation. “I would rather serve on the land of another man who had no portion and not a great livelihood than to rule over all the shades of those who are dead” (“The Odyssey” 127; bk.11, ln.488-491). In his past life his motivation was to die young with a glorious reputation, but now he would choose rather to live a long hardworking life; even if that meant as a servant. Achilles was finally able to free himself from the lust of glory, and he realized how meaningless it is in the long run. In this last image of Achilles, his genuine change and redemption is

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