The motivation for taking action in war for the main characters of Achilles and King Henry V have very distinct differences and similarities. Achilles returns to action to seek revenge upon the man, Hector, who took the life of one of his closest companion. King Henry V seeks to take what is rightfully his by a small claim that is both lawful and religious. The actions taken by both men result in massive amounts of bloodshed due to their war-hungry personalities.
Achilles makes it known to his mother Thetis that he will rejoin and fight with the Achaean army, even though entering battle means certain death in Book 18 of The Iliad. He is highly motivated to get vengeance for the death of Patroclus. Later, Achilles becomes enraged with himself for being of no use, resulting in the deaths of many comrades. In 1.2 of Henry V, King Henry V makes it known that he intends on invading France to take what is his based …show more content…
Henry warns Canterbury about what he says due to what it will “incite us to” (3.2.11). The selfish and twisted motive behind the claims made by the Archbishop are known by this time in the play. Henry is at fault for only asking his council if his claim is “right and conscience” (3.2.96). Homer makes it very apparent that Achilles is a rageful character from the very beginning.The absence of war with the death of his beloved Patroclus creates an Achilles that is engulfed in anger. Being so enraged, he tells his grieving mother, who knows his death will soon come, that she “can’t persuade” him to not take action and kill Hector (18.150). Achilles is much more independent on his decision compared to Henry, which shows his strength. Henry seeks council and is easily manipulated. The criticism of Henry being both a strong and weak leader is validated through his ability to listen to others but not question the legitimacy of their
Achilles makes it known to his mother Thetis that he will rejoin and fight with the Achaean army, even though entering battle means certain death in Book 18 of The Iliad. He is highly motivated to get vengeance for the death of Patroclus. Later, Achilles becomes enraged with himself for being of no use, resulting in the deaths of many comrades. In 1.2 of Henry V, King Henry V makes it known that he intends on invading France to take what is his based …show more content…
Henry warns Canterbury about what he says due to what it will “incite us to” (3.2.11). The selfish and twisted motive behind the claims made by the Archbishop are known by this time in the play. Henry is at fault for only asking his council if his claim is “right and conscience” (3.2.96). Homer makes it very apparent that Achilles is a rageful character from the very beginning.The absence of war with the death of his beloved Patroclus creates an Achilles that is engulfed in anger. Being so enraged, he tells his grieving mother, who knows his death will soon come, that she “can’t persuade” him to not take action and kill Hector (18.150). Achilles is much more independent on his decision compared to Henry, which shows his strength. Henry seeks council and is easily manipulated. The criticism of Henry being both a strong and weak leader is validated through his ability to listen to others but not question the legitimacy of their