Evolution Of Achilles

With the Iliad, Homer takes the reader through the journey of life. This route is followed by Achilles through his evolution in the course of the Trojan War. His character development gives him a unique place in this epic. Homer uses his character to dwell on the thematics that Achilles will be confronted. Enabling Homer to link the character of Achilles to the human race and thus connect the notion of the hero to humanity.

From the outset, Homer establishes a difference between the immortal gods and the mortal creatures. The mortals bow to the immortal gods and destiny, making them prisoners of themselves. However, for Achilles can are different. Indeed his mother Thetis was a goddess, and his father was a mortal. Therefore, Achilles

Indeed Patroclus is killed by Hector. Achilles blames himself for Patroclus’s death and desires to avenge him. Homer introduces a new and unseen side of Achilles; his wrath has taken over his once acceptation of destiny, and he has decided to take action. What was once a world where Achilles was rejected by all and left alone has now ended. He is now determined to avenge Patroclus, who was the only one who had accepted Achilles for who he was. As we come near the end of the Iliad, Achilles slaughters every single Trojan in his way. Achilles confronts Hector, who is the last Trojan standing outside of Troy. Achilles shows no mercy for Hector and kills him. Ironically, Achilles can kill him as he recognizes his armor and strikes at its weakest points. Achilles was able to kill Hector and avenge his dear friend thanks to Patroclus, who had borrowed his armor and fought with it, which had then been stolen by his killer, Hector. Following Hector’s death, Achilles prides himself in humiliating him and the city of Troy by dragging Hector by his ankles and thus showing his disdain. Here Homer shows Achilles reuniting with his mother’s heritage. He is flaunting and giving a show to all the Trojans and the god’s. When Achilles killed Hector the war ended and he won. He became the Greek hero he always wanted to be. However, this victory is bittersweet. Indeed Achilles killed his mentor, the one he looked up to as a father figure, a friend. This sentiment of bittersweetness is reinforced by Priam’s visit to Achilles. Priam comes in the status of a father, not a soldier or a Trojan, but a father who has lost all of his children. A father who wants to offer his child a proper burial. Achilles sympathizes with Priam and grants his demand. Here Achilles reconnects with his long lost humanity, for he feels for Priam. Then, Achilles invites Priam to stay the night in his tent, and leaves the next day with