Comparing Vietnam Soldiers In The Iliad
analytical Essay
1104 words
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a psychological disorder that occurs after a person has been through a traumatic event, such as combat warfare. In this essay, I would like to compare Vietnam soldiers to soldiers in the Trojan War, and contrast the similarities and differences between the two, also analyze how soldiers’ lives have been affected similarly throughout two completely different wars. I would also like to show the irony of war, and how war doesn’t only dehumanize soldiers, but it also inspires valuable human qualities. In the movie Achilles in Vietnam, Dr. Shay does a great job by showing us how the psychological devastation of Vietnam veterans compares to the one Achilles experienced after losing his beloved comrade, Patroclus. …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Compares vietnam soldiers to soldiers in the trojan war and shows the irony of war, and how it doesn't only dehumanize soldiers, but it also inspires valuable human qualities.
- Analyzes how the vietnam war compares to the trojan war. both the americans and the greeks were not prepared to fight due to bad leadership, poor strategies and lack of moral.
- Analyzes how achilles develops an intense single-minded lust for revenge not only towards hector, but also towards every trojan.
- Compares athos' anger and rage to that of achilles, who wanted revenge for his brothers, because they were brutally killed.
- Analyzes how homer's depiction of warfare shows two sides to warfare: the irony of war and the positive effects it has on soldiers.
Within book six of the Iliad, we see how warfare interferes with personal relationships such as a marriage. Homer wants us to see not just how the soldiers suffer and feel alone during war, but also how their families feel as well. Hector’s wife doesn’t want him to go to war, because she knows how strong the Greeks are and Andromache also knows that Hector will be killed. Hector also knows he will be killed, but he makes this sacrifice to fight in the war, not only for his city of Troy but also for his family. Within this scene, we see the irony of war. Although war is terrible, and it dehumanizes soldiers and leaves them often emotionless, they also develop a sense of belonging, they gain new leadership traits and valuable human qualities such as comradeship, loyalty, and most of all- courage. These are all virtues Hector shows us in book 6. Homer wants us to see the very few but positive effects war has on soldiers. Although war tears families apart, soldiers become part of a family; a brotherhood and these relationships help them develop qualities they may have never developed before. Hector is courageous enough to finish fighting, although he knows he will lose, he is still loyal to his family by trying to provide a better life for them after the war has ended, and also to his brothers, by standing by them and fighting the Greeks off together, finishing this fight strong, representing his city as a leader, not as a scared soldier who chose to run away and be safe. Hector shows us he thinks critically, logically, not emotionally like Agamemnon did, which led to the Greeks being
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- Glory in the Iliadanalytical essay“Then the screaming and shouts of triumph rose up together, of men killing and men killed, and the ground ran blood.” From first examination the Iliad seems to be an epic founded on an idealized form of glory, the kind that young boys think about when they want to join the army. A place full of heroism and manliness where glory can be achieved with a few strokes of a sword and then you go home and everything is just lovely. Many people view the Iliad this way, based on it’s many vivid battle descriptions and apparent lack of remorse for the deaths that occur. This, however, is not how war is presented in the Iliad. Homer presents a very practical outlook on war countering the attainment of the glory with the reality of its price and the destruction it causes. He successfully does this by showing the value of the lives of each person that dies and, in a sense, mourning their passing, describing the terror and ugliness of war, and, through the characters of Achilleus and Hector, displaying the high price of glory.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how homer presents a practical outlook on war countering the attainment of glory with the reality of its price and destruction.
- Analyzes how the iliad is full to the brim of epithets describing the many major and minor characters.
- Analyzes how the iliad is descriptive in nature, especially about the ugly side of war. epic similes are used to conjure up a better picture of what is happening.
- Analyzes how hektor's emotional encounter with paris gives an insight into the sacrifices that he has to make to serve his city and protect his family. the honoring of one’s duty to his kinsman is a major point of contention.
- Argues that the iliad is based on much deeper principles than combat, and glorifies the search for honor and the sacrifices that great men will take to achieve this honor.
730 wordsRead More - Heroic Code in the Iliad and the Odysseyanalytical essayThroughout the Iliad, heroic characters make decisions based on a specific set of principles, which are referred to as the “code of honor.” The heroic code that Homer presents to readers is easy to recognize because the heroic code is the cause for many of the events that take place, but many of the characters have different perceptions of how highly the code should be regarded. Hector, the greatest of the Trojan warriors, begins the poem as a model for a hero. His dedication and firm belief in the code of honor is described many times throughout the course of the Iliad. As a reward for heroic traits in battle, prizes were sometimes awarded to victors of war. In Book 1 Achilles receives Chryseis as a prize and a symbol of honor. Heroism had its rewards and its setbacks which ultimately was the backbone of the Illiad in the case of Achilles prize. Hector, arguably the greatest Trojan warrior or even the bravest of the Homeric heroes is very fierce and fights for what he believes is his destiny. In book VI Hector expresses his bravery when Andromache pleads with Hector not to fight when Hector says, “But I would die of shame to face the men of Troy and the Trojan woman trailing their long robes if I would shrink from battle now, a coward. Nor does the sprit urge me on that way. I’ve learned it all too well. To stand up bravely, always to fight in the front ranks of Trojan soldiers, winning my father great glory, glory for myself” (VI, 387).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that a hero is defined by webster's dictionary as someone noted for courageous acts or nobility of purpose, especially if this individual has risked or sacrificed his life. honor is essential to the homeric heroes.
- Analyzes how the heroic code of honor is the cause of many events in the iliad. hector, the greatest trojan warrior, is fierce and fights for what he believes is his destiny.
- Analyzes how achilles, the greatest of the greek warriors, is portrayed as a hero in some ways but, on the other hand, performs controversial acts in the iliad.
- Analyzes how odysseus was smart and cleaver in both the iliad and odyssey. revenge is the driving force in a hero's quest for total victory or could ultimately end in death.
945 wordsRead More - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in In Country by Bobbi Ann Masonanalytical essayPosttraumatic stress disorder affects an estimated 30.9% of male Vietnam veterans and 26.9% of female Vietnam veterans, according to a survey by the National Center for PTSD (National Center for PTSD Online). Of these, most have marital and social problems, high arrest rates, alcoholic dependencies, and in many cases drug addictions. These issues are brought on by the terrors, stress, and moral headaches caused by the acts, such as killing, that they were ordered to commit during their service. While others are only mildly affected and manage to lead semi normal lives, others are rendered useless, unable to hold jobs, start families, or participate as active members of society as they are constantly obsessing, whether consciously or not, about the war. In Mason’s book, there are prime examples of each.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how emmett, the thirtysomething uncle of sam, is the second type of victim. he is unable to hold a job and lives with his niece in his sister's house.
- Analyzes how sam's obsession is traced to her father who was killed during the war.
- Analyzes how sam's unconscious obsession with the beetles and bruce springsteen brings her back to the sixties. she seeks flight via her newfound transportation, an older man, or her running.
- Analyzes how sam's family is spread about, but the two key roles, mother and father, are missing. she wants roots, a family, and home with all it stands for, which she tries to find via her search for history and knowledge.
- Analyzes how bobbi ann mason's book in country portrays a prime example of posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Analyzes how emmett's strength leads sam to a place of self-empowerment and understanding.
- Cites dwyer, june, and krasteva, yonka. "the south and the west in bobbie ann mason's in country."
- Cites morrissey, thomas j., o'brien, timothy d. and stewart, matthew c.
1857 wordsRead More - In this investigation, the personal side of the soldiers who fought in the Vietnam war will be examined- particularly the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that were most common in veterans, and the different experiences in the war or after returning home that could have caused them. The types of warfare, deaths, and differences from methods used in the Vietnam War will be discussed. Technological advancements and mindsets of the different times of the wars will be taken into account. The definition of PTSD and descriptions of different general causes will be mentioned, as well. Different accounts from veterans and reports on PTSD Vietnam War veteran victims will be analyzed for individual cases and examples. Sources used will include Wounds of War by Herbert Hendin and Ann Pollinger Haas and information on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the National Institute of Mental Health’s website.
In this essay, the author
- Describes how america’s hostile response to the vietnam war contributed to a high number of post-traumatic stress disorder victims.
- Explains that the personal side of the soldiers who fought in the vietnam war will be examined, including the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) that were most common in veterans, and the different experiences that could have caused them.
- Explains the purpose of wounds of war: the psychological aftermath of combat in vietnam by herbert hendin and ann pollinger haas.
- Analyzes how the book shook over hell was written by eric t. dean jr. and reviewed by james m. mcpherson, a princeton university professor of american history.
- Explains that america's hostile response to the vietnam war or battle experiences of the war contributed the most to high number of post-traumatic stress disorder victims. both combat experiences and post-war experiences left huge psychological marks on veterans.
- Explains that post-traumatic stress disorder is not uncommon for those who have witnessed war. many americans didn't understand that war veterans were going through a sort of anxiety order.
- Explains that the war was everywhere for the veterans. the constant fear of death was a day-to-day event for them.
- Explains that post-traumatic stress disorder is preventable and can be countered if addressed properly. america's hostile response to the vietnam war and lack of sympathy contributed to high numbers of ptsd victims.
- Explains post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) and how one obtains it. the trigger event is usually a traumatic experience witnessed first-hand, or vicariously through loved ones.
1641 wordsRead More - Implications of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for War Veteranscomparative essayWar is a complex concept that is increasingly difficult to understand, particularly in an age that allows for live images of combat to be beamed around the world. Many war films depict the brutalities of war and affects war has on participants, but it seems that these representations merely skim the surface. The 20th century is an era that saw a significant amount of military action: World Wars I and II, the Cold War, Vietnam, and the Gulf War - millions of men fought, some survived and live among us today. Unfortunately, the war experience for many veterans is traumatizing and as a result, many have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder is often quite mentally debilitating; this, then, begs the question of the social implications of the disorder as well as whether this has any bearing on the necessity of war.
In this essay, the author
- Narrates how they are going to vietnam and fighting a war.
- Explains that kulka, richard a., trauma and the vietnam war generation, new york: brunner/mazel publishers, 1990.
- Explains wilson, john p., et al. human adaptation to extreme stress, new york: plenum press, 1988.
- Explains that war is a complex concept that is increasingly difficult to understand, especially in an age where live images of combat are beamed around the world.
- Compares the military's image as a highly organized and efficient unit with the reality of war as chaotic, terrifying, and anything but meticulously executed.
1565 wordsRead More - Timothy Findley's The Warsanalytical essayWar has been a constant part of human history. It has greatly affected the lives of people around the world. These effects, however, are extremely detrimental. Soldiers must shoulder extreme stress on the battlefield. Those that cannot mentally overcome these challenges may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Sadly, some resort to suicide to escape their insecurities. Soldiers, however, are not the only ones affected by wars; family members also experience mental hardships when their loved ones are sent to war. Timothy Findley accurately portrays the detrimental effects wars have on individuals in his masterpiece The Wars.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how findley suggests that some soldiers may be driven to suicide by their experiences in war. rodwell was traumatized by the behaviour of his fellow soldiers and couldn't overcome it mentally. captain taffler tried to commit suicide.
- Analyzes how findley's depiction of suicide is accurate with the real world. the suicide rate among soldiers in iraq reached an all-time high in 2005.
- Explains that family members of soldiers sent to war can be negatively affected emotionally and mentally. after returning home, soldiers may not be able to adjust to their former daily lives.
- Analyzes how timothy findley accurately portrays the detrimental effects wars have on individuals in his masterpiece the wars.
- Analyzes how the effects of war on human behaviour can be interpreted as being increasingly violent and can show decreasing mental health.
- Analyzes how findley depicts the negative effect of war on the family through his character, mrs. ross.
- Analyzes how findley's novel, the wars, is accurate in depicting the detrimental effects of war.
1719 wordsRead More - Loss of soldier identityanalytical essay...ust deal with similar pains. Through the authors of these stories, we gain a better sense of what soldiers go through and the connection war has on the psyche of these men. While it is true, and known, that the Vietnam War was bloody and many soldiers died in vain, it is often forgotten what occurred to those who returned home. We overlook what became of those men and of the pain they, and their families, were left coping with. Some were left with physical scars, a constant reminder of a horrible time in their lives, while some were left with emotional, and mental, scarring. The universal fact found in all soldiers is the dramatic transformation they all undergo. No longer do any of these men have a chance to create their own identity, or continue with the aspirations they once held as young men. They become, and will forever be, soldiers of the Vietnam War.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the protagonists in "the red convertible" and "if i die in a combat zone" must deal with the ramifications of war, whether psychological, moral, or cultural.
- Analyzes how erdrich's "the red convertible" and zabytko’s “home soil” give a strong interpretation of two distinct reactions.
- Analyzes how irene zabytko illustrates a father and son, both soldiers, during different wars.
- Describes tim o'brien's work as "story-truth" and "if i die in a combat zone."
- Narrates how commandos are followed by wave after wave of supporting troops by the end of the city.
- Opines that tet is nothing less than a catastrophe for the guerillas.
- Analyzes how o'brien's work and writings, at times, give the readers a sense of desperate hopelessness.
- Analyzes tim o'brien's contrast between personalities, from pre-war to post war. he exemplifies the changes a soldier can withstand and those he can't.
- Analyzes how tim o'brien's stories, "the red convertible," and "home soil" provide a clear understanding of the atrocities of vietnam war and what occurred to the soldiers who served in it.
- Analyzes how tim o'brien's "if i die in a combat zone" protests war in 1968, stating that the united states entered 1968 with cautious optimism about the vietnam war.
2537 wordsRead More - There you stand over the body of a fallen friend, a brother or sister in arms. You are asking yourself why them, why not you? What could have I done to save them? That is when you wake up, sweating, panting. It was just a night terror, yet it feels the same as the day they died, even though it has been ten years. This is just one of the many emotional scars soldiers of war face. Though why do we go to war when this is the cost? For many it is because they are unaware of the psychological cost of war, they are only aware of the monetary cost. Tim O 'Brien addresses the true cost of war in The Things They Carried. O 'Brien suggests that psychological trauma caused by war impedes daily life in young Americans drafted into the Vietnam war. He does
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how tim o 'brien addresses the true cost of war in the things they carried. he suggests that psychological trauma caused by war impedes daily life in young americans drafted into the vietnam war.
- Analyzes how cross' infatuation with martha keeps him sane, but it drives him to a mental break down.
- Analyzes how o'brien intertwines the events before and after lavender's death with the actual day he dies.
- Analyzes how o 'brien's portrayal of cross' love for martha, the death of lavender, and the need to carry trinkets that were considered "lucky" can be seen in the cultural context and setting of the story.
- Analyzes how o'brien emphasizes the real cost of war, not just the monetary value, but the emotional cost. he delves into the loss of love, the reality and impact of death.
1114 wordsRead More - The Trojan War and its Heroic Heroesanalytical essayWhile Paris and Helen were at the Palace, war raged on with Hector in the midst of the battle. Then Hector returned to the palace and told Paris to either fight or return Helen instead of hiding because they were being slaughtered. Further into the war, the Trojans began to advance and started winning, during that time Hector decided to visit his family. Hector’s wife told him not to engage in the war because he might not return. Despite his wife’s’ effort to restrain him from re-entering the war he still fought. Even though Hector is a mere mortal, his personality does not allow him to interlude, he is embedded on fighting although he knows the Trojans are losing.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how homer's epic poem, the iliad, depicts the trojan war and its heroic heroes. heroism is the qualities of a person that makes them great. achilles and hector are more heroic.
- Explains that paris initiated the trojan war by stealing helen from her husband, menelaus, and challenged the achaeans to single combat with any warrior.
- Analyzes how hector's personality does not allow him to interlude, but he is embedded on fighting even though the trojans are losing.
- Analyzes how hector is decisive by giving paris different ways of settling the issue between him and menelaus, while achilles retains to his rage against agamemnon causing the death of many achaeans and his friend.
- Analyzes how achilles' rage blinded him until his best friend, patroclus, died on the battlefield. hector was able to produce a logical decision much quicker
594 wordsRead More - The Things They Carries, By Tim O Brienanalytical essayWars are very tough, doesn’t matter if its world war or any kind of wars they all want human’s blood and their life. The Vietnam War cost many people’s lives. It also causes mental illness like Post-Traumatic Stress disorder. According to www.ptsd.va.gov, “PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like war, assault, or disaster.” The Things They Carries written by Tim O’Brien is about the Vietnam War and demonstrates the many effect of PTSD. This essay will examine how it reveals PTSD in different way, such as getting stress and angry, distracted by past (Flashback), and intrusion.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the vietnam war cost many people's lives and causes mental illness like post-traumatic stress disorder. the things they carries by tim o'brien demonstrates the many effects of ptsd.
- Analyzes how people are busy on their own personal business, but they have to kill their dreams and leave their love ones behind. rat kiley saw his best friend curt lemon die.
- Analyzes how bower tries not to think about anything but he couldn't help it. he blames himself for kiowa's death.
- Analyzes how o'brian's first love, linda, died of a brain tumor at the age of nine. the story is sad and heart touching.
- Explains that o'brian's anger or stress killed the boy who he killed on the trail.
- Analyzes how norman bower is a victim of ptsd and intrusion in the story "the lives of the dead".
1184 wordsRead More