The Actions of Heroes in Literature
The actions of heroes in a given piece of literature are determined by their social and cultural roles. Suffering and ecstasy highlight levels that heroes must progress through. External influences do affect how heroes communicate in a given work of literature. Concepts of heroism are well described in Homer's work by cultural ideals and social standards. The mystical and cultural elements of Homer's The Iliad illustrate the play's themes. Characters in the literature piece are driven by aspects at the character, family, and community levels. These three ideas are crucial in deciding the behavior of Homer's heroes in "Iliad."
Individual Values in the Iliad
Individual values in the Iliad highlight behaviors among characters. In the literature, the community is well defined by a common belief and personal attachment to set values. The community within the literature piece bases on religion. Characters within the play are described by the nature in which they are portrayed within a social setting. In regards to honor, Achilles highlights the aspect of personal dignity "...man dies still if he has done nothing..." (9.319) Religion highlights the need for respect. The wrath of Achilles rises from dishonor brought about by the actions by Agamemnon. The protagonist had previously recommended action to be undertaken to avert the curse prevailing among the soldier. Agamemnon at this time takes issue with the protagonist and orders Achilles to hand over Briseis who was a slave gift. The action highlight Achilles actions and strategies aimed at regains honor and personal dignity. Achilles remains conservative of the community values, which are based on religion. The protagonist respects the call by the gods to reverse his decision to kill Agamemnon. The character highlights two different elements that inform his decision. The respect is given to the supernatural beings and personal attributes inform his behaviors during the conflict with Agamemnon. Personal pride had a negative effect on the Greeks, and the Trojans gain ground in their war.
Hektor's Value for Community
Hektor portrays value for community and the social norm despite his role in the Trojan army. Hektor's actions are informed by the needs of the community and his role within the same community. The character believes his actions within the Trojan army are informed by the need of the community. In his argument, the fights for personal glory are baseless and lack moral grounds. In book VI, Hektor alludes to the fact that the Troy will someday fall. In this, he predicts future occurrence but says his duty and responsibility to the community given he is a warrior and a prince is factors determining his actions while in the army. The character also shows value in women and children. Upon his return to Troy, he meets the warriors' wives; his love community and respect to gender motivate the move. The community shapes the actions of Hector while in the city, as he seems to attach himself along the basis of community.
Family's Role in Determining Heroic Actions
Family in Iliad plays a role in determining the actions of heroes. Hektor feels attached to the family as he is constantly in contact with his mothers. The character uses family to portray a sense of honor and courage. Hekuba, Hektors mother, creates a new sense of love and responsibility and is the reason as to why Hektor during the Trojan War fails to retreat. Achilles considers his friend Patroklos as family; upon his death, he seeks vengeance. Before the War between the Greeks and the Trojan, Patroklos had motivated the troops by stating "...they in heart of fury come swarming out each one from his place to fight for their children..." (16. 264-65). The statement highlights how the army valued children and their defeat would mean the defeat to the family setting. The statement highlights the war as a move to safeguard the future of families. The defeat of the Greeks would have meant that their families would have to live with the shame and to some point become slaves to the Troy.
The Role of Community in the Iliad
Community in this literature bases on mortality and immortality. Achilles' anger is driven by his move to conquer the supernatural would and position himself among mortals. The literature piece highlights the protagonist as a son of the gods. Patroklos refers to him as being non-human "...but it was the grey sea that bore you and the towering rocks..." (16.34-35) The statement highlighted the difference in traits between the protagonist and the rest of humans. The involvement of the gods during the troy war highlights a connection between the humans and the immortals. In this text, Achilles is struggling to obtain his human trait. The religious element influenced the decision made by the characters. The persuasion by Zeus encouraged Hektor to engage Achilles in war. On the other hand, Zeus changes the fate of Achilles as Patroklos dies on behalf of Achilles. The connection to the community only emerges when the heroes fight for the honor of the society, but the final ballet between Hektor and Achilles takes an individual twist with factors of mortality and immortality dominating the battle.
The Consequences of Anger and Revenge
Community and family aspects between the Greeks and the Trojans are overcome by anger and the quest to conquer the immortal world. Revenge and anger led to the fall of Troy as Achilles orchestrated the death of Hektor. On the other hand, Patroklos' death is based on the fight for the elites. Regret is witnessed when Achilles starts to value the community through his forgiveness as he states he is no longer at loggerheads with the antagonist Agamemnon. Regret is also felt when Achilles fights the Troy river force. He foresees his death and wishes he had died during his encounter with Hektor "...I wish now Hektor had killed me...as the slain was a brave man..." (21.279-80). The confession highlights a change of character in that the protagonist changes from a self-centered character to one who values life and the social norm. Hektor, before his death, had the option of staying with family and averting the battle but chose to die. In this case, he changed from one who valued family and community to a self-centered character.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, elements of individualism, family, and community inform the behaviors of Hektor, Achilles, and Patroklos. Their courage and involvement in the war between the Greek and the Trojan highlight the three factors as the reason behind their actions. Their deaths are a reflection of the choices made and consequences suffered based on their actions. The community is well represented by the nature in which the characters attach themselves to the norms and cultural aspects. Their connection to children and parents is what highlights the family aspects. Personal attributes are the reason different characters within the literature piece engage in battle, and heroes die. Homer uses different characters but focuses on the three heroes to highlight the social and cultural connections among characters.
Work Cited
Homer. The Iliad. Translated Robert Fagles, and Bernard Knox, 1998. Print.
