Achilles And Hector In The Iliad Character Analysis

In the Iliad, we see two great men, Achilles and Hector. The reader is introduced to their stories, and the greater story that their lives are a part of. This book is dedicated to the clashes between the Trojans and the Achaeans, and all the details behind the big picture. It has been nine years since the Trojan War, and a new fight has begun over a woman, once again. Emotions are flying high, and two proposed heroes arise. Through the development of the characters, the reader sees that although Achilles may have saved many lives and been the final victor, it is
Hector who is the true hero of the story.
One objection to this thesis could be that because Achilles is the better fighter, and thus abler to defend his country, he is the true hero. Achilles is more qualified than …show more content…
There is such a strong contrast between Hector and Achilles. Hector dies a hero, while
Achilles is left with his bitterness and grief. Hector is oriented around what is best for others to the point of death, while Achilles turns into a man with seemingly no feelings for anyone, not even the Achaeans, his own people. This shows Homer’s contrast between the individual and the society, which is brought out through the characters of Achilles and Hector. Achilles personifies the individual values; he is passionate and emotional, doing as he pleases to benefit himself and add to the glory of his name. Hector, on the other hand, is much more reasonable. He personifies the societal values. Even though Hector knows that the beginnings of the battle are not worthy of the toll that they have taken, he realizes that he must fight to save his city. He takes it upon himself to right the wrongs of the parts in order to save the whole. Hector is focused on the whole, namely his country, while Achilles is focused on the part, namely himself.
Hector is portrayed as more of a family man, with a true passion for his