The Subject of “The Iliad” is the Wrath of Achilles”

Answer

The subject of “The Iliad” is the wrath of Achilles”-Discuss. 

Or, what is the subject of “The Iliad” – Discuss.

“The Iliad” (762 BCE), written by Homer (c. 800 BCE – c. 701 BCE), is a famous story about war, pride, and sorrow. The main focus of this epic is Achilles’s anger. His anger leads to many deaths and much sadness. Homer begins the story by talking about this very anger, showing how it caused great harm to the Greeks. Let us examine the key aspects of Achilles’ wrath in “The Iliad.”

The Source of Achilles’ Wrath: Achilles becomes very angry when Agamemnon takes away Briseis. Briseis is a woman who was his prize. Agamemnon’s action hurts Achilles’ pride and honor. Achilles feels insulted and refuses to fight. He says, 

A king is entitled to honor above all men, 

since Zeus grants his kingship.

Achilles’ anger is not just about losing Briseis; it’s about feeling disrespected as a warrior.

The Effects of Achilles’ Anger: When Achilles refuses to fight, the Greeks start losing battles. Hector and the Trojans to gain the upper hand. Many Greek soldiers die because Achilles is too angry to help. His stubbornness shows how one person’s pride can bring disaster to many. Nestor says about Achilles: 

Achilles’s bravery, far 

from profiting others, profits only himself.

This quote shows that Achilles cares more about his pride than helping his friends.

The Death of Patroclus: Achilles’ best friend, Patroclus, had gone into battle wearing Achilles’ armor. He dies while fighting in his place. Hector kills him. This makes Achilles’ anger even worse. He is filled with grief and a burning need for revenge. 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.

Achilles re-enters the battle. His anger becomes focused on killing Hector, who killed Patroclus. 

Killing of Hector by Achilles: Achilles’ anger reaches its highest point when he finally kills Hector. He shows no mercy and even drags Hector’s body around the walls of Troy in a display of hatred. He drags Hector’s dead body around the city. His actions shock even the Gods. This shocking act shows how extreme his anger has become: 

But the more Achilles kept looking, the more his rage 

at Hector grew.

His rage makes him lose respect for life. This leads him to behave cruelly.

Achilles’s Mercy to Priam: Even in his anger, Achilles has a moment of kindness. Hector’s father, Priam, begs him to give back Hector’s body. Priam’s words remind Achilles of his father, and he feels pity. Priam says, 

Have pity on me; remember 

your father.

Achilles agrees to return the body. This shows that even deep anger can be softened by understanding and shared grief.

The Significance of Achilles’ Wrath: Achilles’ wrath in “The Iliad” serves as a powerful symbol of how destructive emotions can be. His anger drives much of the plot and leads to tragic consequences for both sides. The story of “The Iliad” teaches that holding onto anger and pride can lead to great suffering. Even the gods know that Achilles’ anger is powerful, but it also shows how destructive such emotions can be.

The wrath of Achilles in “The Iliad” is a central theme that drives the entire story. Achilles’ journey from anger to compassion reminds us that while anger can be powerful, it also brings great pain. Homer’s story teaches us that understanding and forgiveness are more important than revenge.