The Metamorphosis of Achilles in Homer’s The Iliad Essay

The Metamorphosis of Achilles in Homer’s The Iliad Dr. Frost’s comments: With his clear explanation, illustrative quotes, and logical organization, the student easily proves his thesis, recapped and affirmed very well in the final paragraph. From the first pages of Homer’s The Iliad, Achilles is portrayed as vengeful, proud, and petty. As the book progresses, the image of Achilles as a spiteful child is sharpened dramatically. Towards the end of the epic; however, Achilles begins to exhibit qualities that are considered heroic even in today’s society. Once his loyal and trusted friend Patroclus dies, Achilles undergoes a drastic change in character. When he confronts the true horror of death, Achilles puts aside his immature†¦show more content†¦Even this early in the epic, it is difficult to believe Achilles would ever settle for a long life without glory. Somewhat later in the epic; however, this is precisely what Achilles intends to do. When Agamemnon sends an embassy to entreat the swift runner, Achilles tells them: â€Å"...two fates bear me on to the day of death. If I hold out here and lay siege to Troy, My journey home is gone, but my glory never dies. If I voyage back to the fatherland I love, My pride, my glory dies... True, but the life that’s left me will be long, The stroke of death will not come on me quickly.† (9.499-505) Achilles then proceeds to urge the rest of the Greeks to sail home and abandon the war in Troy. Although this seems to imply that Achilles has given up his youthful brashness, he also mercilessly insults Agamemnon in the same book. His refusal to let go of his anger and his concern for his own future indicate a more adolescent or young adult viewpoint, rather than his previous childishness. The three ambassadors, Odysseus, Telamonian Ajax, and Phoenix, all appeal to Achilles to release his anger, implying that they look at him as a youth raging at worldly injustices. When Odysseus tells Achilles â€Å"Fail us now? What grief it will be to you / through all the years to come. No remedy, / no way to cure the damage once it’s done† (9.301-3), and when heShow MoreRelatedGreek Mythology8088 Words   |  33 Pages  Athena  ranked  as  one  of  the  most  powerful  goddesses  in  Greek   mythology.  Athena  (known  as  Minerva  in  Roman  mythology)  was  protector  of  numerous  Greek  cities,  especially   Athens,  and  was  associated  with  industry,  art,  wisdom,  and  warfare.  In  the  two  major  epics  of  Greek  antiquity,  the   Iliad  and  the  Odyssey,  Athena  fought  on  the  side  of  the  Greeks  in  the  Trojan  War   and  aided  Odysseus  in  his  return   home  from  the  war.  The  Greeks  dedicated  numerous  buildings  and  shrines  to  Athena,  including  the  prominent   temple  in  Athens,  the  ParthenonRead MoreEssay on The Odyssey21353 Words   |  86 Pageswife of Menelaus and the cause of the Trojan War. Helens portrayal is more striking than that of Menelaus. She is back with Menelaus at Sparta, happy and at peace, having learned from her sufferings. The tenderness which she possesses in The Iliad is turned to new purposes here in The Odyssey. Antinous - the most vociferous and proud of the suitors. He plots Telemachus death and often leads the suitors in their mistreatment of Odysseus and his household. Eurymachus - another outspoken