Why did Achilles withdraw from the war and later return?
The Iliad is a notable literary work by Homer. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Iliad.
Answer
Why did Achilles withdraw from the war and later return? [NU: 2014, 19, 20] ★★★
Homer (c. 800-701 BCE) presents the anger and sorrow of Achilles in his epic poem “The Iliad” (762 BCE). He first withdraws from the war after a quarrel with Agamemnon. Later, he returns after the death of Patroclus.
Quarrel with Agamemnon: The poem begins with the anger of Achilles. Homer says,
“The rage of Achilles – sing it now, goddess.”
Agamemnon insults Achilles by taking away Briseis. Achilles feels dishonored and deeply insulted. He says he will not fight anymore. His pride is greater than the war. He prays to his mother, Thetis, to ask Zeus. Achilles wants the Trojans to win for his revenge.
Grief for Patroclus: Patroclus, his dear friend, fights wearing his armour. Hector kills Patroclus in single combat. Achilles cries in pain and grief. He forgets his anger with Agamemnon. He only wants to take revenge on Hector. Achilles says,
“I will not stop killing Trojans until . . .
I meet Hector and fight him
man to man, and he kills me or I kill him.”
The death of Patroclus brings him back to war.
Desire for Revenge: Achilles returns with new armor from Hephaestus. His heart is full of rage and sorrow. He kills many Trojans in battle. He kills Hector with great cruelty. He even drags Hector’s body behind his chariot. Revenge, not honour, now drives his return to battle.
In termination, we can say that Achilles withdraws from the war because of an insult. He returns because of grief for Patroclus and desire for revenge. Homer shows how personal pride and sorrow control the hero’s actions.