Achilles Rage In The Iliad

The epic The Iliad by Homer argues Achilles has a reaction of rage in numerous situations. Achilles’s choice to respond in such a way that it is of great significance. This incredible emotion influenced his day-to-day life. Many literary critics have started discussion as to whether Achilles’s rage exists as a virtue or a vice in this epic. Other characters throughout The Iliad have commented on his rage, such as Athena, who says, “I came to see if I could check this temper of yours,” (Homer, 235) in a discussion she has with Achilles pertaining to his quarrel with Agamemnon. Athena’s comment suggests that it requires a great deal of effort to put Achilles’s rage in check. Achilles seemingly uncontrollable rage creates a man throughout The

He spurns you / And your gifts” (272). Agamemnon’s acknowledgment of his foolishness concerning what he took away from Achilles, leads to an increase in his rage not a decrease. Homer’s use of words in this quote adds additional emphasis that Achilles rage prevails as a vice. This quote implies that his rage can only satisfied by means of a gift or offerings. In this instance, the offering to Achilles of gifts from Agamemnon in an attempt to appease him seems to wound further his pride. Doing so invokes even more of the Greek man’s rage. It seems often because of his wounded pride that his rage rears its head and come to the

Achilles held Patroclus close to his heart because he had helped raise him. Achilles’s heart first fills with rage and he vows revenge for this wrong. Before they battle Hector’s pleas for a bargain should he lose to Achilles that he will refrain from dishonoring his body (306). Achilles response of rejection describes what shall befall Hector for causing him such agony, “my spear will make you pay in a lump / For the agony you’ve caused by killing my friends” (306). Homer uses this quote to suggest what will happen to Hector at the close of his battle with Achilles. During this battle, he fully let his rage out as described by Homer in the final moment of battle before he kills Hector, “Achilles exploded forward, fury / Incarnate” (307). In this moment that he lunges forward, kills Hector, and finally avenge his