Homer’s Iliad is an epic poem describing the last year of the war between Troy and the Greeks. It contains elements of warriors, such as Achilles and Hector, death on the battlefield like that of Patroclus, and meddling gods like Aphrodite saving Paris from battle. Soldiers and warriors on both sides are presented in such a way that they are merciless, strong, and courageous. In order to win and defend your country, you had to destroy your enemy. Homer describes different battles of blood, gore, and death. Only men fight in war, women are confined to their homes attending household chores or their children. However, Paris is an exception to this. Paris, prince of Troy, remains in the safety of his palace, not remotely affected by the war.
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On the greek side, Menelaus sees Paris who “parad[es] there with his big loping strides” and prepares to attack him. Upon seeing Menelaus, Paris retreats to the safety of his men, “ Paris’ spirit shook. Backing into his friendly ranks” (35,36). Unlike most greek men who typically take the fight head on, Paris runs away. He lacks the courage that warriors contain, fearing for his life. Within a few lines of poetry, Homer presents Paris as a cowardly man. When his brother Hector sees this, he taunts Paris and calls him a “mockery in the eyes of all [their] enemies” (48). He also brings up an interesting point regarding looks, “They [The Greeks] thought you [Paris] the bravest champion we could field, and just because of the handsome luster on your limbs” (130). Hector says that their enemies assume Paris is a great warrior because he is handsome in looks. Homer seems to present the idea that appearance correlates with other positive characteristics, only emphasizing the importance of looks. Hector further insults Paris by saying that Paris has “no pith, no fighting strength” (52). Paris’ cowardness is a “curse to your father, your city, and all your people” (57). Hector looks down on Paris for being weak and cowardly. To him, physical strength and courage is the most important thing to a man. Hector is constantly seen fighting the Achaeans in a warlike trance. If Hector or any man is going to die, it’s through honor of protecting their people and country by fighting their enemies. Paris, however, is aware of his cowardness, “you criticize me fairly, yes nothing unfair, beyond what I deserve” (70-71). Instead, he tells his brother that he would fight Menelaus head on, “pit me against Menelaus[...] we’ll fight it out for Helen [...] the one who proves the better man wins [...]”, ending the war. Although a noble request, Paris only suggests this after Menelaus points out his flaws, making
On the greek side, Menelaus sees Paris who “parad[es] there with his big loping strides” and prepares to attack him. Upon seeing Menelaus, Paris retreats to the safety of his men, “ Paris’ spirit shook. Backing into his friendly ranks” (35,36). Unlike most greek men who typically take the fight head on, Paris runs away. He lacks the courage that warriors contain, fearing for his life. Within a few lines of poetry, Homer presents Paris as a cowardly man. When his brother Hector sees this, he taunts Paris and calls him a “mockery in the eyes of all [their] enemies” (48). He also brings up an interesting point regarding looks, “They [The Greeks] thought you [Paris] the bravest champion we could field, and just because of the handsome luster on your limbs” (130). Hector says that their enemies assume Paris is a great warrior because he is handsome in looks. Homer seems to present the idea that appearance correlates with other positive characteristics, only emphasizing the importance of looks. Hector further insults Paris by saying that Paris has “no pith, no fighting strength” (52). Paris’ cowardness is a “curse to your father, your city, and all your people” (57). Hector looks down on Paris for being weak and cowardly. To him, physical strength and courage is the most important thing to a man. Hector is constantly seen fighting the Achaeans in a warlike trance. If Hector or any man is going to die, it’s through honor of protecting their people and country by fighting their enemies. Paris, however, is aware of his cowardness, “you criticize me fairly, yes nothing unfair, beyond what I deserve” (70-71). Instead, he tells his brother that he would fight Menelaus head on, “pit me against Menelaus[...] we’ll fight it out for Helen [...] the one who proves the better man wins [...]”, ending the war. Although a noble request, Paris only suggests this after Menelaus points out his flaws, making