World Literature I
7 April 2010
Achilles and Hector: Two Homeric Heroes in Different Perspectives
"Better, when that time comes, that I appear as he who killed Achilles man to man, or else that I went down fighting him to the end before the city" reflects Hector over the brave decision he makes deciding to continue to pursue Achilles in an effort to win the glory of his people. His brave words greatly illustrate the rising climax in Homer's magnificent literary work entitled The Iliad. Throughout The Iliad, Homer beautifully personifies his definition of heroism, Achilles and Hector, while portraying the trials and tribulations of a long drawn out war between the Greeks and the Trojans. Achilles is the great Greek warrior of the mighty Achaeans, although his fearless nature puts in the running to be considered a hero his prideful flaws causes him to lose focus and sometimes act on impulse rather than thought.
Achilles tending Patroclus wounded by an arrow, id...
English: Triumphant Achilles: Achilles dragging th...
Briseis and Achilles in a 17th-century book illust...Achilles is hot- tempered, anger-driven, and his anger spouts are actually the constant theme throughout many of The Iliad's books. Similarly, Hector is also the great warrior of the Trojan army. In contrast to Achilles, Hector is family-oriented, and shows deep devotion to his wife and children and is also very forgiving towards his brother Paris, whom chooses women over war.
Homer uses an array of numerous characters who display the qualities of being a hero. However the two characters in this literary work named Achilles and Hector are a great
comparison of what necessarily defines the nature of a hero versus on the basis of qualities such as leadership, audaciousness and humility.
Leadership is a quality every hero must have. A follower can only admire and strive to lead, but a leader is occupied with conquering challenges to encourage their...