Shield of Achilles

The main character, Odysseus, is a strong, noble, courageous leader for him and his men. He has a thirst for glory and his homecoming. Odysseus’s most distinguishing trait, is his sharp intellect. Quick thinking has gotten Odysseus out of some very sticky situations. For example, when Odysseus and his men were on Polyphemus’s island, Odysseus’ intellect freed him from the Cyclops’ cave. Another distinguishing trait is his confidence/cockiness. Some say that it is confidence, some say cockiness.…

elemental nature of the Homeric simile heightens the power of Achilles, portraying him as more powerful than the Achaean and Trojan armies combined. The first…

Epic heroes are portrayed as some of the greatest men in history, rivaling all that came before them. Some epic heroes are even practically god-like. What is the key to all their larger than life accomplishments? What are the traits that make normal people successful? With consideration of historical evidence, successful men do indeed share a lot of the same characteristics. Nearly all successful men in history have been at least one of the following: smart, strong, brave, or lucky. Now what is…

Rigoni Paper #1 The Value of the Gods to Achilles Throughout most of The Iliad, Achilles spends his time avoiding the battle against the Trojans rather than supporting his fellow Achaeans on the battlefield. Achilles’s personal values seem to greatly influence his reasons as to why he shouldn’t go out to fight. In Book 9, Achilles’s speech refers to many different values that could justify his reasons for holding back (225). Of these values, Achilles is most vocal about his thirst for both…

Yiting Xu Yx2392 Literature Humanities Professor Steve Baker October 5th, 2016 The Façade of Glory: An Analysis of Lattimore’s Iliad “But now this is a dismal death I am doomed to be caught in, / trapped in a big river as if I were a boy and a swineherd / swept away by a torrent when he tries to cross in a rainstorm.” (Iliad, 21.281-83). Achilleus’ concern with drowning in the river is not death, for he is prepared to die the minute he decides to fight Hektor and choose his second destiny. He…

Compare how Homer and Zemeckis highlight the ways in which key characters survive through the challenges of their life. Entertaining survival genre texts like playwright Homer’s Greek mock-epic mythological poem, the Odyssey and director Robert Zemeckis’s American epic film, Cast Away portray the support mechanisms that even Herculean individuals rely on in every society. Noting that Homer starts the Odyssey in media res after his previous poem, the Iliad while Zemeckis starts from the…

ragtag army, but not to rule over men like us” (14.81-82). He also refuses to take the blame for his actions is book 19: “But I am not to blame. Zeus is, and Fate, and the Dark Avenger, who put a fit of madness on me, in public, that day I robbed Achilles of his prize. But what could I do? God’s decide everything” (19.99-103). He decides to blame the gods and fate instead of taking responsibility for his actions. He is afraid that his pride will be injured if he takes the blame. Agamemnon is…

typically a great glorified warrior, like Achilles and Hector in the Iliad.…

The Political Gladiators of Rome Civilizations throughout the world’s existence have worshiped the idea of men fighting one another, each clinging desperately for the slight chance of the most intense desire, victory. Rome is no exception. While Rome is famous for its competition amongst gladiators, it is also known for its competition amongst its political leaders. In the play, Julies Caesar, Shakespeare creates an intense scene that depicts one of the most important competitions in Rome’s…

The Greek Heroic code and the Cardigan Core Values are both ways of life that made a community or civilization what they are. the Greeks are known as more of a warrior society. According to legacy.owensboro.kctcs.edu there are three words that embody the greek heroic code. First is Aristos, this is being the best at what is called for during the situation, such as killing during wartime. Second is Arete, merit can only be bestowed by others. Third is Kleos, Fame and glory can only be achieved…