In society, the circle is considered to be a symbol of continuous motion. In literature, common concepts such as this can be related to events and trends in the story to convey a much deeper thematic message. Therefore, through analysis of these relationships the reader can understand bigger picture that is being presented. In Homer's The Iliad the concept of the circle is applied to multiple aspects of the story including the heroic cycle, the circle of life, and the heroic journey. Although it may have a very simple meaning in modern society, the concept of the circle in The Iliad is related to multiple aspects of the book in order to convey complex and important underlying themes to the reader.

One of the first circular trends to become apparent to the reader is the heroic cycle. All heroes of classic literature complete this customary cycle beginning with their rise to power and ending with their death. This is not to be confused with a hero's heroic journey, which is the process that brings change and new understanding. The heroic cycle that is apparent in The Iliad begins as a hero rises to power. Often, a hero is offered a chance or is forced into this rise of powe

In Book XVI, Achilles reaches the stage of abyss during his heroic journey. Patroclos pleads with Achilles to let him wear his armor so that the Achians might have a chance. Patroclos cries that the Achians will crumble "if you will not save [our] nation from destruction" (188; Book XVI). After some debate Achilles gives in and grants Patroclos permission to use his armor in battle, but soon Apollo and Hector kill Patroclos. Achilles is stunned by this event and has a moment of revolution. At this moment Achilles realizes that his friends' honor is more important than his own and determines that he needs to return to the fighting in order to avenge Patroclos' death. Once Achilles returns to battle he has completed the transformation phase of his heroic journey as well as the stage of atonement. Achilles has acted upon his decision to avenge Patroclos' death and has given up on fulfilling his own honor in hopes to regain that of his friends by killing Hector. The boon that Achilles will receive for completing his journey is the new armor. Achilles' return to battle symbolizes his return to society with his enlightened mind and new found determination.

stabbed, somewhere among the ships!" (188; Book 16)

The first stage of Achilles' heroic journey in The Iliad is separation from the familiar. In the beginning of Book I, King Agamemnon and Achilles quarrel over the King's war prizes. This social uproar serves as Achilles' call to his heroic journey. Achilles is being denied by the King the honors that he believes he deserves. This aberration from normal places a crucial role in Achilles decision to withdrawal from fighting.

to you in everything you choose to say. Lay your commands

The last phase of the heroic cycle is the hero's death and destruction. Patroclos' high moment soon comes to a close when he is stunned by Phoibos and killed by Hector. The following passage describes this event and it is apparent that Patroclos' is unable alter his "fate."

were dabbled in blood and dust. .... His mind was blinded,

"Patroclos did not see him coming, for the god was hidden

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Approximate Word count = 2034
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)