What Role Does War Play In The Iliad

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War plays a critical role in Homer’s epic poem The Iliad. The story simply would not exist as it is now without war. It shows all different types of personalities and the war is presented as pertaining to glory and celebration. It also portrays the detailed realities of war. In the face of these horrors, even the mightiest warriors occasionally experience fear, and the poet describes that both armies regret the start of war beginning. The characters display a level of worthiness based upon level of either competence and bravery during battle. Paris, son of Priam and Hecuba and brother of Hector, dislikes fighting in general. He receives scorn from both his family and lover. Achilles, one of the main characters and the most powerful warrior …show more content…

The gravity of the decisions that Hector and Achilles make is emphasized by the fact that each knows his fate ahead of time. The character’s prize so highly the martial values of honor, noble bravery, and glory that they willingly sacrifice the chance to live a long life with those they love. The role that war plays in The Iliad is personality traits and demonstrates celebration. Characters are either admirable or disgraceful to the people and gods depending on their bravery in battle. The characters that refuse to fight are often shunned by their families and lovers but most importantly the gods. The characters that are strong and brave in battle are glorified by the people and the gods. Overall the war is presented as a good thing. It brings out the strong relentless warriors who want to fight for their eternal life and exposes the weak-minded warriors who aren't willing to risk everything to gain kleos from the gods. Achilles understanding of war is passion over reason while some other characters such as Hector stop to reason certain decisions and thinks about his wife and

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