Magnanimity in the Iliad

A detailed Summary of Magnanimity in the Iliad

Strength, honor, and unconditional bravery are held dear to the Achaians and Trojans alike. Among those people, qualities that reveal leadership and might are highly regarded as indicative of a magnanimous human being. Yet, Agamemnon, Achilleus, and Hektor all perceive magnanimity in different ways, and each attempts to exude it as he understands it. Public recognition is a key element for one to be honored in Greek and Trojan societies, however, the three men differ in how dependent they are upon that recognition for complete satisfaction or happiness.

Agamemnon is the definitive king who all too readily reminds his subalterns of their status. For Agamemnon, to be great-souled is to have utter control and command. His need for recognition from, and the fear of, other men is blatantly evident when he attempts to humble Achilleus, saying,

'I shall take the fair-cheeked Briseis,

your prize, I myself going to your shelter, that you may learn well

how much greater I am than you, and another man may shrink back

from likening himself to me and contending against me.' (64)

For him nobility and worthiness can be measured materially. To be a prodigious leader in the eyes of his people, the Achaians, Agam

Then on the Trojan side, Hektor, scolding Paris for his cowardice in refusing to fight Menelaos, Hektor gives insight into his own idea of magnanimity. The greatness of his soul is in no way tertiary to that of Agamemnon and Achilleus. Hektor is most probably the most selfless character of the trio. He tells Paris that though he is handsome, Paris has no strength or courage in his heart. Hektor values recognition for his deeds; however, unlike Agamemnon and Achilleus, his magnanimity encompasses the love of his family as well as the love for his country. He attempts to explain to his wife his responsibility to fight in the war, saying,

and to fight always among the foremost ranks of the Trojans,

the shield hiding the man's shape, and the hand on the spear grow weary.

will there be any means to escape the dogs and the vultures.' (86)

But any man whom I find trying, apart from the battle,

'Never once have you taken courage in your heart to arm with your people for battle, or go into ambuscade with the best of the Achaians. No, for in

widespread host of the Achaians to take away the gift of any man who

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1043
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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