Briseis

The fight for women’s rights has been an ongoing struggle, with the majority of the progress being made only within the last few decades. Sexism has been so deeply engrained into society, that it is difficult to get rid of the notion that women are inferior to men. The divide between men and women can even be seen in literature that dates back to thousands of years. Written around 750 B.C., Homer’s Iliad is a prime example of a work that portrays mortal women as possession and many female gods…

attributes was a critical reason why the Greeks endured many struggles throughout the war. One struggle that the Greeks faced during the war was Achilles removing his self from the war. Achilles removed his self from the war because of Agamemnon took Briseis, his war prize. Another struggle the Greeks endured due to Agamemnon malicious ways was the plague that overtook the camp. This plague was created by Apollo It was so harsh that it eliminated half of the Greek army. The plague attacked the…

rage, truly shown after Patroclus’ death later on. Achilles cares deeply about those close to him, but because he is himself, if whomever is threatened or hurt he explodes in a rage that seems to end only upon divine intervention. It is seen when Briseis is taken away from him earlier in Book I as he sheds tears for her, and when his beloved friend, Patroclus, is killed by Hector. The anthology does not have the full books, but instead…

In Greek society, heroes live their lives conforming to honor and pride in all their varied forms. Honor triggers an epic war, in The Iliad, it takes the life of many men and shapes their character. The fall of Troy is “a thing…whose glory shall perish never” (Homer, Iliad 2.324). Honor guides every action and response, for example honor of the family, community, and individual shapes the poem as a whole. Honor defines the hero, which sets up the foundation of everything that happens in The…

After Agamemnon steals away Briseis, Achilles refuse to fight in the war unless the Trojans directly assault him or his ships. He know there are many greek men dying that he could save, but even with all the pleas for him to help, he refuses. He says, “I won’t lift a bloody finger in…

has it he was not taking his own advise but that of a god (Homer 184). Heroes was always afraid of disgrace. Disgrace was not taken lightly in Homeric culture. The hero such as Achilles though of disgrace as a sign of weakness. When Patroclus took Briseis over to the enemy, Achilles cried onto his mother, “Agamemnon, son of Atreus, has done me dishonor.”(Homer 132) Heroes always feared that the community would not judge them in a good light, if they have been disgraced. The hero always was…

fight for his people, making him unselfish. Achilleus on the other hand does not fight, making him selfish. The swift footed Achilleus is angered by the Greek warrior leader, Agamemnon. He believes it is unfair that Agamemnon can take his war prize Briseis, which Achilleus has rightfully earned. “I am minded no longer / to stay here dishonored and pile up your wealth and your luxury.”’ (166-167 Book I).…

Homer’s Iliad is a portrayal of a momentous battle fought by magnificent warriors. This battle has raged for nine years, this story taking place in its tenth. The fighters are fearless warriors, each with some legend of their own. Many are renowned on both sides of the war: Achilles, the “swift running” warrior of the Greeks, or Achaeans, and Hector the “last defence” of the Trojans. the Iliad focuses on the trials and tribulations of these, and other, warriors. Though they are certainly…

Achilles is the son a King and goddess and he is characterized for his rage and pride. Achilles shows passion along with his emotions. His pride was hurt when Agamemnon took Briseis from him. Achilles is hurt because his timé was taken away from him and his honor was damaged. In book 1 he complains to Agamemnon saying “I never get a prize equal to yours/ I do all the dirty work with my own hands” (1.172-174). After arguing with…

women back or to keep them, which in the end leads to an argument. As stated by Agamemnon on page 83, “You are nothing to me- you and your overweening anger! But let this be my warning on your way:…I will be there in persons at your tents to take Briseis in all her beauty, your own prize- so you can learn just how much greater I am than you and the next man up may shrink from matching words with me, from hoping to rival Agamemnon strength for strength!” From this statement we can see how angry…