Achilles Book 1 Analysis

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Recommended: The character of Achilles

The Achilles of book 24 differs from the Achilles of book 1 because he is willing to empathize with others in spite of his own values and bitterness. After being guided by the gods into the Greek camp, Priam convinces Achilles to return the body of Hector for proper burial by comparing himself Achilles’ father, Peleus. In pleading to Achilles, Priam says, Remember your father, godlike Achilles. He and I are both on the doorstep Of old age. … he hears you are still alive And his heart rejoices. …I am pitiable. I have borne what no man Who has ever walked this earth has ever yet bourne. I have kissed the hand of the man who killed my son, (Iliad 24.520-543).
Although in Book 1 Achilles refused to return to war because

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