Homer and Plato both write stories which revolve around characters with stubborn personalities. Plato creates the old, Greek philosopher Socrates, whom strongly believes in his life purpose as to be a philosopher. He knows what his soul desires in life and as stated in The Apology, he is not afraid of death in exchange for not being a philosopher. Achilles too has beliefs of respecting honor and avoiding dishonor. In many cases, Achilles support of the honor system shows in The Iliad. During The Apology, Socrates states how he is much like Achilles in that both would rather die than face the dishonor of betraying his philosophical beliefs. Although both characters have similar reasons for facing death, honor is not the only motive behind Achilles need for vengeance.
In The Apology, Socrates is on trial as he lectures the jury on why he is doing good in the world. Socrates soon gets to a point of facing death as punishment for the crimes he has committed. He explains that “you are wrong if you think that a man who is any good at all should take into account the risk of life or death; he should look to this only in his actions, whether what he does is right or wrong, whether is acting like a good or bad man,” (Plat. Apol. 28b). He says here how a man who is good would never debate life or death if his actions are good. Socrates …show more content…
He is proud to spread and teach his life thoughts and lessons and he won’t let any rules or laws get between them and himself. Achilles’ strong friendship with Patroclus is the main reason of confronting death, as he does not react in the same way with other fallen soldiers whom he knew. Socrates relates himself to Achilles in that both are willing to face death up front for honor, which is true; but Achilles has more than just the love of honor to submit to death. Achilles’ loss of a loved one and guilt of enabling it to happen are the stronger motives behind his fearlessness of
In The Apology, Socrates is on trial as he lectures the jury on why he is doing good in the world. Socrates soon gets to a point of facing death as punishment for the crimes he has committed. He explains that “you are wrong if you think that a man who is any good at all should take into account the risk of life or death; he should look to this only in his actions, whether what he does is right or wrong, whether is acting like a good or bad man,” (Plat. Apol. 28b). He says here how a man who is good would never debate life or death if his actions are good. Socrates …show more content…
He is proud to spread and teach his life thoughts and lessons and he won’t let any rules or laws get between them and himself. Achilles’ strong friendship with Patroclus is the main reason of confronting death, as he does not react in the same way with other fallen soldiers whom he knew. Socrates relates himself to Achilles in that both are willing to face death up front for honor, which is true; but Achilles has more than just the love of honor to submit to death. Achilles’ loss of a loved one and guilt of enabling it to happen are the stronger motives behind his fearlessness of