The Importance of Woman in the Iliad - 684 Words

Homers Iliad is the product of a society in which men played the dominant role. Throughout history, women have been viewed as playing small roles in society. The role of women in the Iliad is very small and overshadowed by the main story of Achilles and the Trojan War. The shadow that is cast over the women in the Iliad can often block readers from seeing the important role that they play in this classic Epic Poem. Most readers view the women of the Iliad as simply war prizes but without them there would be no story. The men of the Iliad are very emotional individuals; however, the emotions they express are consistently rage, pride, and jealousy. Achilles and Agamemnon jealously bicker over Briseis, a war prize that neither man†¦show more content†¦Achilles is willing to risk the lives of his compatriots and eventually forfeits his own life in pursuit of glory. Hector also loses his life and fails his family and country for glory despite having weighed the alternatives and c onsequences. Knight 2 Although Thetis supports her son Achilles is his quest for glory, her motives are very different from his and provide a glimpse to the reader of what the male characters lack. Thetis is always motivated by her love and pity for her son, two emotions he seems unable to feel himself. As a loving mother, she is concerned for her son and his future and so ensures that he is aware of his options. Out of respect for him, she allows Achilles to make his own decision and goes as far as to support him fully, although the attentive reader can sense that doing so is immensely painful for her. Therefore, although it superficially seems that Thetis supports war and aggression, her true motives are far more admirable. Unlike Thetis, Andromache’s values are clear. On the rampart in book six, she makes an impassioned plea to Hector for reason and peace. Pity me, please! she says, Take your stand on the rampart here, before you orphan your son and make your wife a widow. (ll. 230-231) When he r fears are realized and Hector is struck down by Achilles, she laments, Hector, what help are you to [Astyanax], now you are dead? (l. 571) This single statement lays bare the true follyShow MoreRelatedHonor in the Iliad and Antigone Essay1007 Words   |  5 Pagesprevalent throughout the Iliad and Antigone. Both texts demonstrate that honor is essential to Greek heroes because honor is the foundation of the society and family. Homer and Sophocles clearly show that honor guides people’s actions and responses and decides the fate of themselves and others. Both authors also place emphasis on the importance of proper burial because it is a strong indication of honor to the deceased and the deceased’s family. 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