We see Achilleus struggle with the image of his honor through much of the Iliad. In book one we closely analyzed the actions of Agamemnon and how he stripped Achilleus of his prize and honor. This event leads to Achilleus' internal struggle which provides a glimpse into what Achilleus feels is important. Achilleus becomes so angry with Agamemnon he pleads to the gods to intervene with violence. Yet we see that the reasons he does not fight and stays loyal is, again, this idea of honor. “Nor, son of Peleus, think to match your strength with the king, since never equal with the rest is the portion of honor of the scattered king to whom Zeus gives magnificence. Even though you are the stronger man, and the mother who bore you was immortal,
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In many interactions past book 9, Achilleus repeats the phrase, “...as if I were some dishonored vagabond. (page 233, line 648)” This phrase is used to express the intense dishonor Achilleus feels from the taking of the concubine in book one. The use of this statement multiple times drives the point home of how Achilleus holds his honor above all things. He does not easily forgive when he is disrespected and he allowed his feelings to drive his actions. In book nine, we see Achilleus leave battle because he sees the hypocrisy of going to war over a woman – which intensifies the dishonor he felt. After the battle turns in favor of the Trojans, Achilleus is asked to rejoin the fight. Again, his honor to his word drives his actions. “Still, we will let all this be a thing of the past; and it was not in my heart to be dishonored forever; and yet I have said I would not give over my anger until that time came when the fighting with all its clamor came up to my own ships. (page 352, line 60)” Ultimately, the trigger which propelled Achilleus back to the battle was defending honor after Patroklos' death.
So having established Achilleus' intense respect for honor, it fits his character to choose the path of glory. His honorable image is what gives his character power. These features are what Achaians warriors most sought. It was a different time with different values. Today, people value long, fulfilling
In many interactions past book 9, Achilleus repeats the phrase, “...as if I were some dishonored vagabond. (page 233, line 648)” This phrase is used to express the intense dishonor Achilleus feels from the taking of the concubine in book one. The use of this statement multiple times drives the point home of how Achilleus holds his honor above all things. He does not easily forgive when he is disrespected and he allowed his feelings to drive his actions. In book nine, we see Achilleus leave battle because he sees the hypocrisy of going to war over a woman – which intensifies the dishonor he felt. After the battle turns in favor of the Trojans, Achilleus is asked to rejoin the fight. Again, his honor to his word drives his actions. “Still, we will let all this be a thing of the past; and it was not in my heart to be dishonored forever; and yet I have said I would not give over my anger until that time came when the fighting with all its clamor came up to my own ships. (page 352, line 60)” Ultimately, the trigger which propelled Achilleus back to the battle was defending honor after Patroklos' death.
So having established Achilleus' intense respect for honor, it fits his character to choose the path of glory. His honorable image is what gives his character power. These features are what Achaians warriors most sought. It was a different time with different values. Today, people value long, fulfilling