Aristotle said that the man who is incapable of working in common, or who in his self-sufficiency has no need of others, is no part of the community, and is a beast or a god. Discuss the character of Achilles in light of this statement. Use plenty of examples, details, references, and quotations in the response.
Response:
The character of Achilles gives an embodiment of the statement that the man who is incapable of working in common, or who is his self-sufficiency has no need for others, or is no part of the community, and is a beast or a god. Achilles is known for being the greatest Greek Warrior. The idea of excellence (arête) runs deep in his veins through levels of competition individual excellence. Through the battle when emotions are running hot, he can choose humanity or inhumanity. The legitimacy of this description becomes vivid as Achilles decided to run his operations away from the program and order set by Agamemnon. Achilles felt unrecognized and disrespected when he did not receive his desired portion of the plunder from the battle. He also had issues with Agamemnon for taking Briseis away, and that make him withdrawn from joining any …show more content…
In the context of comparing Achilles with a beast in the statement of Aristotle, it is evident that he gets depicted as a thoroughbred in his advancement towards Hector with whom he had a battle (259). On other occasions, Achilles gets described as a falcon in his first pursuit of Hector (261). When doing his final chase on Hector, Achilles gets compared to a hunting hound (263). On himself, Achilles bestows the description of a beast just before killing Hector “Don’t try to cut any deals with me, Hector. Do lions make peace treaties with men? Do wolves and lambs agree to get along? No, they hate each other to the core, and that’s how it is between you and me
Response:
The character of Achilles gives an embodiment of the statement that the man who is incapable of working in common, or who is his self-sufficiency has no need for others, or is no part of the community, and is a beast or a god. Achilles is known for being the greatest Greek Warrior. The idea of excellence (arête) runs deep in his veins through levels of competition individual excellence. Through the battle when emotions are running hot, he can choose humanity or inhumanity. The legitimacy of this description becomes vivid as Achilles decided to run his operations away from the program and order set by Agamemnon. Achilles felt unrecognized and disrespected when he did not receive his desired portion of the plunder from the battle. He also had issues with Agamemnon for taking Briseis away, and that make him withdrawn from joining any …show more content…
In the context of comparing Achilles with a beast in the statement of Aristotle, it is evident that he gets depicted as a thoroughbred in his advancement towards Hector with whom he had a battle (259). On other occasions, Achilles gets described as a falcon in his first pursuit of Hector (261). When doing his final chase on Hector, Achilles gets compared to a hunting hound (263). On himself, Achilles bestows the description of a beast just before killing Hector “Don’t try to cut any deals with me, Hector. Do lions make peace treaties with men? Do wolves and lambs agree to get along? No, they hate each other to the core, and that’s how it is between you and me