Pride in Homers Iliad :: Iliad essays

Pride in The Iliad      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The period in which the events in The Iliad took place were different than the times of today. Back then, the most important aspect of life for a person was to be a hero and to be   remembered.   One's pride would come before everything else. In the present day, this concept would be thought of as illogical or foolish. This is certainly true. But, that is how life was in that time- peoples' beliefs were to be the death of them. Pride was the downfall of all characters in Homer's epic poem, The Iliad.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hectors fatal mistake was that he chose pride over his own well being in the battle with Achilles. He could have taken safety within the walls of Troy, or disappeared into a mass of his comrades, but Hector chose to stand his ground and confront Achilles.  Ã‚   "Ah for a young man all looks fine and noble if he goes down in war...he lies there dead...but whatever death lays bare, all wounds are marks of glory."   If   Hector had salvaged his pride and retreated to safety, he would have lived to defend Troy. Therefore, the possibility arises that he could have stopped the onslaught of the Acheans altogether, and won the war for the Trojans. The result of Hectors pride was his death and the betrayment of his fellow warriors and friends.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another person within the Iliad whose pride was the downfall of his character, was Patrocleus. Patrocleus was a great warrior, friend, and asset to the Achiens. But, he made foolish choices on account of his pride. For instance he chose to wear Achille's armor into battle when Achilles refused to fight. This was only for his self-glorification. "...Once you have beaten off the lethal fire, quick, come back to the ships-you must not battle Hector!"   After going into battle brandishing the armor, Patrocleus becomes overzealous and places himself at the enemy's disposal. If Patrocleus would have thought logically, and not acted on pride, he would of remained alive.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In addition to Hector and Patrocleus, the main character in The Iliad - Achilles, was also brought to ruin by his pride.   For example, he was too proud to fight in the war when Agamemnon took his woman.