Virtue Vs. Vengeance In Desmond Tullo Speech And Homer's Iliad

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Virtue vs. Vengeance To err is human, to forgive is divine. In Desmond Tutu’s speech and Homer’s Iliad, both texts discuss vengeance which is very human-like and virtue which is god-like. Desmond Tutu gave a speech at the University of Toronto in 2000. He relates the virtues of Mrs. Savage and Nelson Mandela. The purpose of the stories is to convey that forgiveness is more important than wanting revenge. The Iliad, written by Homer is set in Ancient Greece and centers around the nine year war. The struggle between being vengeful and choosing to forgive is exemplified by the characters Achilles, Agamemnon, Hector, and Priam. Seeking revenge is easier and forgiving is more difficult, therefore being virtuous has more value than being vengeful. …show more content…

Although most of his actions are motivated by anger and revenge, there are at least two occasions in Homer’s Iliad where Achilles chooses true virtue. While Agamemnon and Achilles are conversing, Achilles declares, “Despite my anguish I will beat it down, the fury mourning inside me...I call a halt to all my anger-- it’s wrong to keep on raging, heart inflamed forever” (Homer 19.75-78). At one time, Achilles thought it was smart and a justified reason to fight over a young girl named Briseis. Now he comprehends that the feud served no purpose and cost many lives including his best friend Patroclus. In this instance, Achilles is making peace with Agamemnon. He realizes he has been acting out of anger instead of simply mourning. He chooses to put his anger aside and forgive Agamemnon which shows traits of virtuousness. As Achilles and Priam are engulfed in grief, Achilles offers these merciful words: “Poor man, how much you’ve borne-- pain to break the spirit! What daring brought you...all alone, to face the glance of the man who killed your sons” (Homer 24.602-607). In this situation, Priam comes to Achilles to bargain for his son, Hector, so that the body of Hector can be buried properly. Priam offers Achilles many gifts. The conversation turns to the loss of their sons, father, and best friends. Both men weep uncontrollably. Achilles is overwhelmed with feelings of pity, sympathy, and compassion. He recognizes their common humanity and that suffering has importance. He agrees to give back the body of Hector without expecting anything in return. This performance of virtue is especially significant because it is an act of kindness offers to an enemy. Hen Achilles acts unlike himself by putting aside his vengeance, it illustrates that he values something other than himself. Achilles’s virtuous deeds allow himself, Agamemnon, Priam, and the Trojans that mourn for Hector to

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