Hector And Achilles Throughout The Duel example essay topic

332 words
In spite of the war, the sole idea that both the Trojans and Achaeans agree upon is that of an honorable treatment of the corpse. As Hector is dying, he says, "I beg you by your soul and by your parents, do not let the dogs feed on me... Let them have my body back, so that our men and women may accord me decency of fire when I am dead". The only thing Hector cares about is that his body is respected.

This brings glory to the revenge of Achilles because it shows the respect that their society had for life and death. At the same time, it also takes glory away from the violence. Achilles states, "The dogs and kites will rip your body. His will lie in honor".

Achilles is so filled with anger and rage that he completely disrespects Hector's body, eventually dragging it by his chariot after his men have speared it. This completely took away all the beauty of the battle because it took away from Achilles' honor and heroic strides which made his revenge so glorious in the first place. The battle is also glorified by the heroic characters of both Hector and Achilles throughout the duel. These men were not average, they were great warriors.

They received heroic status through the honor and pride of their fighting techniques and strategies. "Past these the two men ran, pursuer and pursued, and he who fled was noble, he behind a greater man by far". This shows that their heroic qualities were renowned and that it would be a truly intense and glorious fight. These heroes did not make pacts and give up easily. They saw the honor in being not only great warriors, but men as well by facing death. It was clear that they did not fear it, and thus brought pride, honor, and courage to the duel.