The Great Warrior’s Rage

Achilles was the Greek Hero of the Trojan War. His character depicts the true perception of a noble hero. He also has the attributes of being the most handsome of the heroes assembled against Troy. Achilles was the son of the nymph Thetis and Peleus, the king of the Myrmidons. He earned his name as the purest, the highest and “the best of the Achaians”. Achilles placed as a hero depended upon the understanding of his place in society, and performing with the expectations society had for him. He freely accepted the natural pattern of a hero, consisting of a hero's suffering and a hero's death.

There were many decisions that Achilles had to choose, whether to fight and to help the Achaeans win over the Trojans or leave the Greeks to battle and see them die. There is also a major problem which could dictate his options, ‘to die young with glory or live long, but simple life’. That problem could be his preference whether to do the right decision or go the other way. In book one of the story, “The Iliad”, Agamemnon showed disgrace to Achilles. It had leaded the great warrior to bear rage against the King and planned to go to Phythia, his hometown. The conflict continued at book nine. Where things were getting out of their way, King Agamemnon planned to give Achilles some peace offerings including Briseis and his daughter. He did this to ensure Achilles would accept the offer and fights with them. Then, Ajax Telemon and Oddyseus went to Achilles and said the intentions of the King. Achilles rose and clarify that he still hates Agamemnon. So, I could say that Achilles was arrogant as the king shown him stubborness in book one. His pride never goes down especially when a person wounds his heart.

Another scene that portrays Achilles’ rage is when he sends Patroclus to Nestor and confirming who had fallen. Despite his concern for the wounded, Achilles would not enter the battle because of his enduring wrath. This anger is so strong that even in the face of wounded friends, routed troops and an endangered camp, Achilles will not compromise. Rage had made it so that Achilles would rather see friends wounded than be affronted by Agamemnon.

I believe that Achilles’ decision is somewhat suitable to the person who did him dishonor. What you do to others will return the same way as you treated them, as other people are saying. King Agamemnon had just taste his own medicine. If I were the person whom the King treated badly, I will do the same thing as Achilles did. But I don’t really understand why Achilles didn’t accept the offer even though it includes Briseis and swear of the king that he never made love with her. I think the pride had made him chose that way. Although he doesn't forgive the king, I recognize him as the most honorable man in the story.