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How Does Hector Get Honor In The Iliad

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In The Iliad, written by Homer, honour is a complex structure not based on money or social standing, but instead virtue and a firm political voice in correct speaking. Honour is not forever and as with most things can be lost, gained, or even taken away. Achilles has a high social standing but does not act according to what his ”honour” should be. Odysseus, on the other hand, has a lot of wealth but has a firm way of conveying his point with the inability of a diving quail. Finally, Hector, has the honour and the audacity to ask Achilles who was in a devilish trance; if Achilles would give him honour in his death. Achilles in The Iliad, who has a high reputation casted aside his honour to get his revenge on Hector who did nothing wrong. Honour is a fluctuating personal value that can be lost by being engulfed in anger and rage this includes denying honour after death to another individual. For example, Achilles loses Patroclus to Hector and then is consumed by his anger, and even though he has a high standing he loses his honour. ”I swear I will not insult your corpse if you do the same….. I will have no pack with you Hecktor.” (Book XXII, Line 302). Hector asks for mercy in …show more content…
Odysseus talks in a very political and correct voice, allowing for people to trust his wisdom. For example, he tells Agamemnon not to sail out mid battle to protect him. Agamemnon tells Odysseus to send out his ships to fight in the Trojan War, Odysseus explains his concerns. ”..tell us to haul our strong benched ships to the sea, so that even more glory may befall the trojans.” (Book XIV, Line 102). This quote shows Odysseus honour through showing his just towards putting his ships in battle to bring the Greeks more victory in the Trojan war. When Odysseus is mad he does not get angry but instead voices his opinion in a calm manner. Honour can be displayed in a multitude of ways including being the bigger

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