Characterization of Achilles and Hektor in the Iliad

A detailed Summary of Characterization of Achilles and Hektor in the Iliad

Because of their commitment to the gods and man, or lack there of, Achilles and Hektor's characterizations place them on opposite ends of the spectrum. Achilles is someone who is enamored with petty human emotions, while Hektor fulfills his commitment to the gods to the bitter end. Achilles and Hektor's actions easily substantiate their respective hubris and arête and personify how man should and should not attempt to live. Their example is relevant for people as they go about their lives and gives insight into positive and negative human traits. Hektor brings forth a characterization that all people should attempt to follow. However, Achilles makes himself out to be like a selfish child who experiences a temper tantrum when he does not succeed in his endeavors. Being a horrendous example of what one would like to emulate, Achilles' characterization exemplifies selfishness whereas Hektor's characterization, the perfect example of noble living, is something that people should strive to copy.

Achilles and Hektor's notable difference is apparent in their respective commitment to the gods. Hektor loyally accepts his fate when the gods betray him and also accepts the fact that his favor with gods diminishes prior to his de

Achilles is primarily worried about advancing himself as a great warrior. Supremely exemplifying this is Achilles stopping the Greeks from throwing projectiles at Hektor. Achilles wants all the glory from killing Hektor and does not wish to share the praise from this accomplishment with anyone else because it makes him out to be god-like. Achilles simultaneously attempts to bring glory upon himself through extreme defilement of Hektor's body. He wishes to be remembered not only as the man who slayed Hektor, but also as the man who embarrassed Hektor's corpse. Achilles wishes to be the quintessential warrior and when situations turn for the worst his temper rages out of control. Feeling that Agamemnon's authority is irrelevant because of his lack of participation in battle, Achilles feel is that he is not only the true leader of the Greek but also the greatest of the Greeks.

On the contrary, Hektor realizes that the war is not his battle to fight and yet, still continues to fight. Feeling his fighting can make life better for his family in the future, Hektor's point in continuing to fight is to save his wife from a horrible life of slavery. The insatiable lust that Hektor has for fighting is so extreme that at all times, Hektor is anticipating return to his men and battle. Even when Andromache, Hektor's wife, tries to convince Hekt

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Approximate Word count = 912
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English