Iliad

Homer’s Iliad: The Power of Man

Homer’s Iliad is one of the oldest surviving Greek works. The story allows readers to see into the minds of a civilization that lived over two thousand years ago. The conflict in Homer’s Iliad between the power of a warrior and political power creates the basis of the story and shows how Greek society was evolving from a tribal society, power to the strongest fighter, into a more civilized society, power to the highest political office. By analyzing what warrior power is as portrayed by Achilles, then the power Agamemnon holds through his political station, and comparing the two ideals against each other, it is possible to see exactly how Homer developed both of these characters as a reflection of the changing Greek culture.

Homer uses Achilles primarily to show how being a great warrior and leader in Greek culture leads to high social respect and power. The subtle message of power through warriorship is shown by Homer in his writing. Homer only focuses on the great warriors. He ignores all of the minor warriors in a way that reflects the Greek belief in Elitism, the belief that only the greatest warriors mattered. When a common man is finally shown in the story he is depicted as almost less than a man. He is ugly and mistreated by those above him because he does not matter. In combination with the Greek belief in arete or excellence, it is clear that a strong warrior who fought well would gain social standing and power. Agamemnon does have power through being a warrior but his true power comes from his political ranking. It is important to understand that Achilles derived everything he was from being a warrior. The honor and respect that was given to him by those around him was a direct result of...

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...ks for ways to increase his power even at great cost. This portrayal represents the Greeks fear of dictators who would take advantage of the Greek people for their own well-being. The conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles is a reflection of the evolving Greek culture and the question of which should be held in higher regard. Ultimately Achilles seems to yield to Agamemnon who has the power of authority. Homer’s conclusion of the story shows that ultimately Greek society would surrender to the power of politics and authority instead of the power of the strongest warrior. This decision ultimately benefits the Greeks because it allows their civilization to grow and continue to advance instead of freezing in a type of feudal system. Ultimately Homer’s Iliad provides interesting insight into Greek beliefs and civilization as they transitioned into more advanced states.