The Change of Achilles Essay - 529 Words

In The Iliad, Achilles faces many decision-making situations. He shows a human side like any other person, but when fate takes over, he goes in a series of changes. The all mighty Achilles turns into a weeping child when his prize is taken away. His long lasting anger against Agamemnon turns into camaraderie after his friend Patroklos is killed and finally his wrath against Hectors body turns into compassion when Priam begs for the body to be returned. Many could argue that when something is taken away from a person, that person will not make a problem, especially when that person is a fearless warrior. Achilles shows a dramatic change, one that particularly wouldnt think someone would do. Beg and cry about a reward taken away;†¦show more content†¦He wants to even out with Agamemnon, this is the way Achilles sees justice being done. It still no excuse to go from a fearless warrior to a crying and annoying demanding child. When the news spread about Patroklos death, Achilles engulfs in rage. Achilles eventually returns to fight along the Achaians. But what intrigues the situation is the change Achilles goes through, from angry to passive. He goes and talks to Agamemnon about ending their little quarrel and to fight together to bring down Troy. This clearly is a personality disorder, Achilles was the one in the first place that allowed Patroklos to go and fight in his armor. The only explanation is that Achilles was looking for a big excuse to resume battle. After all he mentions men have the same fate whether he fights or stand down. Perhaps he knew Patroklos will die and all of this is an act. Finally at the end Achilles kills Hector and drags the body around tied to his chariot. When Priam sneaks through and requests Achilles to return the body. His mood swing is very unique, he turns into a compassionate person from an unreasonable madman. Achilles sees that a high royalty man, Priam, goes on his knees and beg him. He needed that kind of relieve, to see a high power man come down and beg Achilles, something he didnt get with Agamemnon. There is really no treatment to help Achilles, Achilles source of mood swings comes from the ideaShow MoreRelated Achilles Changes Essay557 Words   |  3 Pages The Iliad, a book by Homer about the Trojan War, focuses a lot on Achilles and his internal struggle with his personal desires. In the time of the Trojan War, there was an unspoken code of morals and how warriors of honor should follow. If they did not fight or acted cowardly it not only brought them shame but their family name was looked down on. Warriors that were defeated weren’t always killed because they were sometimes taken prisoner to be used for ransom money or gifts. 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