Positive Status In The Greek Heroic Code example essay topic

When analyzing the Greek work the Iliad, Homer procures an idealistic hero with an internal conflict, which questions the values of his society and the Greek Heroic Code. The Greek Heroic Code includes respect, honor, and requirements to procure an exorbitant image. To be considered a Greek hero you must meet the perquisites and fulfill all of the aspects of the code. Achilleus was deemed a hero, he was the strongest and swiftest of the Achaeans. Achilleus lived up to all of these aspects until his internal conflict began in the Iliad. Homers purpose in the ending of book XXIV is to restore Achilleus after his reconciliation with the Greek Heroic Code.

Achilleus was the most honorable Greek warrior of his time. No one questions Achilleus, nor challenged him, because if they do they would be smite. Achilleus is honorable, he pays respect that is due, and gratefully thanks those who respect him. Up until his outrage in Book XXII all of Achilleus rituals have been consistent. When his temper overcame his natural inveterate intuition Achilleus immediately invoked all ordain and involvement in the Greek Heroic Code. One of Achilleus' major omissions can be found where he defies the corpse of Hektor.

This motion surprised and befuddled the Greek Gods, and had them viewing a plan on a sleuth method of manipulation of the body of Hektor. This probationary period of time that the Gods created gave Achilleus enough time to debate and redirect his rituals, in which he will. Achilleus first migration in his journey to retrial his rituals came when Achilleus regained respect for the slain body of Hektor. Achilleus harshly considers his options when the point arises 'Now did not Hektor burn thigh pieces of oxen and unblemished goats in your honor'; (from the Iliad Book XXIV).

He judged the point and conjured the answer to be affirmative. He respected the fellow mortals views and reasoning on the return of the body of Hektor. His fellow mortals were very grateful in the returning of the body and rejection of the ransom. 'No longer stir me up, old sir. I myself am minded to give Hektor back to you'; (from the Iliad Book XXIV). His fellow peers see this as a respectful gesture and start regaining respect for him.

Achilleus viewed this as an important aspect in his plan to regain the desired status of being in the Greek Heroic Code. The next episode where Achilleus was recognized for is when he honored the body of Hektor. He ordered his 'serving-maids to wash the body and anoint it all over; but take it first aside, since otherwise Priam might see his son and in the heart's sorrow not hold his anger at the sight... ';' ; (from the Iliad Book XXIV). They 'Anointed it with olive oil, they threw a fair great cloak and tunic about him, and Achilleus himself lifted him and laid him on a litter and his friends helped him lift it to the smooth-polished mule wagon'; (from the Iliad Book XXIV). This was an honorable feat, for Achilleus to recognized the corpse and honor Hektor an outwitting burial. He was honored and gratefully respected for his actions.

This was his second mark in regaining the once achieved status of being within the Greek Heroic Code. Achilleus regained his image by serving a magnificent dinner. He impressively served a 'gleaming sheep... with the meat cut up expertly into small pieces... and roasted all carefully ' (from the Iliad Book XXIV). Achilleus served this dinner in honor to Hektor and his dynamic image. Achilleus saw this act as a booster to regain his image, respect, and honor. The rest of the fulfillment's to regain a positive status in the Greek Heroic Code came to Achilleus when he recognized that the values of his society were more important than ignorant outbursts of anger.

Homer left us at a point of good favor toward Achilleus, meting all of the criteria to be seen in the Greek Heroic Code. He also shows us that Achilleus has another view of the importance of the values of society and how they play a role in his image. Homers purpose in the ending of book XXIV is to restore Achilleus after his reconciliation with the Greek Heroic Code, and he did.