Achilles Honor In The Iliad

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The Depth of Honor
There are many words to describe Achilles; skillful, arrogant, headstrong, loyal, but perhaps, the best word to describe him might simply be prideful. While prideful may seem like a simple and straightforward word to define, like Achilles, it has many depths, making him both the easiest and most complex character in the Iliad. While forthright, Achilles suffers from his own hubris, at times, clouding his judgment. Every decision, action, and choice Achilles makes is based off his pride and honor. Achilles could care less about the raging war with Troy, but rather is merely concerned with his own legacy and honor. This is who Achilles is truly at war with. The theme of Achilles pride and honor is evident throughout the …show more content…
This selfish demand infuriates and humiliates the proud Achilles. This no mere compensation, this was an attack against Achilles personal honor, something that Achilles valued above all else. To Achilles, his honor was everything. This act by Agamemnon is meant to be a demonstration of his superiority, over Achilles, who he selects due to the constant and ongoing struggle for power between them. But Achilles had no recognition for authority. He did not honor or respect his king. To Achilles this attack is unacceptable. Humiliated, the irrational Achilles prepares to draw his sword, ready to kill Agamemnon, before Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, appears him, serving as a peacemaker, begging him not to kill Agamemnon. While he honors the goddesses request, Achilles is still disgraced. Before he leaves he states, “You bloated drunk…you’ve never had the guts to buckle on armor in battle or come out with the best fighting Greeks on any campaign! Afraid to look death in the eye, Agamemnon? It’s far more profitable to hang back in the army’s rear…confiscating prizes from any Greek who talks back…By this scepter I swear: When every last Greek desperately misses Achilles, your remorse won’t do any good then, when Hector the man-killer swats you down like flies. And you will eat your heart out because you failed to honor the best Greek of all” (Book 1 Line
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