Briseis In The Iliad

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For many people nowadays, life in ancient civilizations could be described in just three words— violent, unfair, and intriguing. Constant wars, brutal betrayals, and the never-ending drama surrounding the throne, still remain a crucial part of the ancient history as it is known today. Myths, fables, and other works of literature have been passed on through many generations; and while certain changes and additions to these works have occurred during these years, the messages remain largely unchanged. One of the greatest works of literature of all time remain to be Homer’s Iliad. This ancient Greek epic integrates all the aspects of the Greek society and its moral values into the vivid and intriguing plot. When reading the Iliad closely and focusing …show more content…

The point of her existence is social status, and “the man who gets her has more status.” When looking at Briseis from this perspective, the argument that arises between Agamemnon and Achilles is understandable. In lines 184-186 of the first chapter of the Iliad, Agamemnon threatens to go to Achilles and take “the fair-cheeked Briseis.” He clarifies that the reason for his action would be simple— to show Achilles “how much greater [Agamemnon is].” The King’s words clearly show how Briseis is treated. For the warriors, she is simply a trophy which can be traded, taken away, or played with. Men treat these trophies as their property, and consider that as the owners, they can do whatever they desire. According to an unsigned article titled as “Briseis, Slave of Achilles,” Briseis’ beauty was what saved her life; however, it was also a curse— one that made her the “slave of Achilles.” The warrior thought of the former queen as a “valuable possession” as well as a “sex object.” According to Dué, Briseis was a “captive of war,” and beautiful women captured during the war had only one future— slavery and total obedience to their masters. According to an unsigned article titled as “Briseis” from maicar.com, the day the city of Lyrnessus was captured was “a sad day for the girl.” Not only did she lose her country and family, but she knew what her future was going to be. Patroclus, Achilles’ best friend, comforted the former queen. Promising to make her the wife of Achilles, he somewhat eased her pain and suffering. However, when first introduced to Achilles, Briseis is just an ordinary slave girl; she represents nothing special for him. Despite this attitude toward his new concubine, Briseis’ beauty does not leave Achilles and even Agamemnon

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