Conflicts Between Fathers and Women in the Lives of Warriors

A detailed Summary of Conflicts Between Fathers and Women in the Lives of Warriors

The respect that a father receives as head of the family is obvious in the Iliad. Not only is the father the primary concern in the Iliad, but also the paternal expectations are the basis for the heroic code. However, women in the Iliad are a contradiction to the fathers in the beliefs that the heroic code is not the most important aspect of the warriors' lives.

The warrior comes after the king in the social structure. Although he ranks second, the warrior has a powerful position in society. The warrior is dependent on the community for glory and commemoration because that is the only way he can reach the status of a "hero." The thought of being a hero is every warrior's dream. In order to obtain that goal, the warriors followed a heroic code, a set of rules, which have the potential to elevate a reputation to that of a hero. The code incorporates many regulations, but the biggest part of the heroic code comes from the paternal endorsement of the father.

With the opening of the poem, we see how important that father's name is in describing the identity of the hero. Agamemnon, in his first introduction to the reader, is referred to as "Atreus' son."(1.8). Genealogy even has the power to cease battle between enemies. Su

These women are the only vehicles by which the heroic code and making of the hero are solidified. Female temptations have the potential to destroy the heroic code and condemn the hero.

ch is the case with Diomedes, challenged by Glaukos on the battlefield, who questions him about his descent. After Glaukos has given the full story of his ancestry, Diomedes realizes that their grandfathers have been friends and says, "Why, / you are my friend! My grandfather, Oineus, / made friends of us long ago"(6.119-121). Because of their grandfathers' friendship, it was understood that they were to be friends as well.

Paternal injunction is one of the major themes in the Iliad, since it influences the obtaining of honor. The women, on the other hand, would rather a man be without honor and live than die with life forever by fame. The paternal influence is apparent through every action the heroes make, that is, if the women cannot stop them. It can be said, then, that their fathers shape true warriors, ones that adhere to the code, while women influenced the others.

But I should die of shame before our Trojan men and noblewomen if like a coward I avoided battle, nor am I moved to. Long ago I learned how to be brave, how to go forward always and contend for honor, Father's and mine (6.380-385)

Here is where women and fathers disagree. Naturally, women will be opposed to war because it destroys the lives of their sons and husbands. However, their fathers would say fighting was their only option if they wanted to adhere to the heroic code.

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Some common words found in the essay are:
, Iliad Andromache, Priam Achilleus, heroic code, faced death, honor father, saving life, home battle, paternal injunction, paternal expectations, code women, stay home, home war,

Approximate Word count = 1188
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous