Characteristics Of Achilles As A Heroic Hero In The Iliad

1. In The Iliad, Homer’s main protagonist, Achilles, is a heroic figure. Achilles’ reputation precedes him as being the most powerful warrior in The Iliad. Son of a soldier and sea-nymph, when Achilles was a baby his mother took him to the underworld and dunked him into the river Styx which made him immune to death, his only vulnerability was his ankle where his mother held him. His invulnerability made him a warrior unmatched in battle which made his skills legendary. There was a prophecy made for Achilles that if he chose to go to war he would be the greatest warrior of his time, but he would die in war. Overall, Achilles is a perfect example of providing legendary significance in The Iliad and providing a heroic protagonist. The Iliad

In Homer’s The Iliad, the protagonist Achilles displays the characteristics of the Heroic Code such as: success in battle, possessions and wise council. Achilles is renowned for his skills in battle. An example is when Achilles must give up his war prize to Agamemnon, as a result Achilles refuses to fight which causes the Greeks great loses, proving Achilles influence in battle. Achilles also is successful in killing Hector, Troy’s greatest warrior. The Heroic Code also requires possessions. Achilles becomes hostile and insulted when Agamemnon wants to take Achilles’ war prize, Briseis. Achilles becomes so upset about losing his war prize that he refuses to fight. A second example would be when Achilles kills Hector; Achilles takes Hector’s body so that Hector may not receive the proper burial. This can also be seen as a sign of possession as he now possess the dead body of Troy’s prince and greatest warrior. The last characteristic is wise council, the character, Nestor, is the wise council among all of the Greeks. Nestor helps provide wisdom when Agamemnon and Achilles are

As Confucius’ goal was to be a gentleman he tells how it is a lifelong commitment that he had to dedicate himself to. He also mentions in the quote how he can follow his desires without worrying about breaking the rule, because he has studied the rules so long they are engrained in his mind. In modern society, we as a culture are always learning much like Confucius. In society, we dedicate ourselves to a career and a life that is always changing and we must learn how to adapt and change with it and then eventually, life slows down and you can enjoy your time and do what you desire with your time, making use of the knowledge you have acquired over the years of learning.

The Master said: “Even though you have only coarse grain for food, water for drink, and your bent arm for a pillow, you may still be happy. Riches and honors without justice are to me as fleeting clouds.” (p. 774) In this quote, Confucius tells how the simplicities of life are enough to make one happy such as food, water and a place to sleep. The riches of the world are only temporary and should not bring a gentlemen happiness. The same concept is attempted to be taught to our modern society. Society is told to be happy or thankful for what they have and not to desire for more, although, it is hardly accepted in today’s world.

The Master said: “In the old days, people studied to improve themselves. Now they study in order to impress