... his physical ability displays to the Greeks how being mighty earns respect, and having enemies envy him builds self-worth. Odysseus, although not as credited for his strength as the "mighty" Achilles is, also exemplifies great physical abilities that gain him recognition, and victory. ... back in its sheath" (109). "He would not fight the orders of Athena" because if he did, he would not gain what he wants (109). Although spiritually he respects the gods" decisions, Achilles displays a fault in his proud spirit through his decision to stay out of ... the war. Rather than "safeguard the...

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• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... on the dominance shown by Clytaemestra after her act of vengeance, "Standing above the corpse, obscene as some carrion crow she sings the crippled song and is proud," (AG, 1470-3) as she directly denounces Agamemnon with a unparalleled pride. In the Libation Bearers, Orestes, too, show arrogance towards his murderous deeds. ... against his father's killers, Orestes exhibits a total lack of remorse. His guarding of the bodies until he receives an audience is proof that he is proud of his work, wants to brag of his deed to whoever will hear him. In The Medea, arrogance is an attribute of M...

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... anguish to his closest people because his "prize" is taken from him. This is Homer's so-called hero? If the definition of heroism were in question, the answer would be debatable. However, it's not - there's much more at stake here. What is the rage of Achilles? His rage is a conflict of almost a dual personality. His sensitive or emotional self constantly gets him ... no turning back this relationship. Rage swells. Achilles dwells on this. He's disheartened he was treated like some "vagabond". This further drives his anger uncontrollably. "Achilleus has made savage the proud-hearted spi...

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• Grade Level: High School

... infuriated that Agamemnon takes advantage of his royal authority and steals Briseis from him, wounding his pride and honor. This is not the first time Agamemnon has shown himself to be a haughty leader. Filled with hubris (excessive pride), he even dared to challenge the gods. Although a ransom had been ... Book 6 As Homer continues to narrate the fighting, he spotlights the victories of the Greeks in general and Diomedes in particular. Even though Athena is not present to help him, Diomedes continues his murderous rampage, unchecked by the Trojans. Aias, Odysseus, Agamemnon, and other...

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• Grade Level: High School

... life than a normal person, and yet was able to overcome it all. With his intelligence, physical and emotional strength, Odysseus is undoubtedly not your ordinary man. He can easily be identified as a hero for all that he achieves on his journeys. While Odysseus has the intelligence and strength of a hero, he still ... The physical pain he was experiencing under the direction of Poseidon was too great for even this strong warrior, and he felt death would be his only relief from earthly suffering. Yet, in this hour of trial when the entire world seemed to forsake him he managed ... from m...

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... a god who makes him change his mind. The antagonistic relationship between Agamemnon and Achilles appears to be on a subconscious level because both men are very proud and on a quest for being immortalized in history. Agamemnon does not appear to take Briseis in spite of Achilles. Agamemnon feels that it is his lawful right to ... sword on Agamemnon, which breaks rule two. The third, and possibly, the most important rule/requirement of an Epic Hero was that he did not show cruelty or injustice on the battlefield. Before Achilles and Hector begin to fight Hector asks Achilles that if he...

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... him fairly. Aeneas showed self-control. Romans preferred war. It was in their nature to fight. They were raised to battle. Romans were not well rounded; their main or only study growing up was physical training and military science. Aeneas was very much Roman in this way. Aeneas ... god who makes him change his mind. The antagonistic relationship between Agamemnon and Achilles appears to be on a subconscious level because both men are very proud and on a quest for being immortalized in history. Agamemnon does not appear to take Briseis in spite of Achilles. Agamemnon feels that it is hi...

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• Grade Level: High School

... the two are of the same level, mortal or immortal, but one is obviously more powerful then the other. Even though Achilles may be stronger, Hector still has good reason not to be scared. He knows that no matter what he does, Achilles is going to kill him soon. Again, knowledge of the future prevents ... . Prometheus becomes defensive after Oceanus gives him advice. He tells Oceanus, "let me be, and have no care for me," (334). Even though these two have been together as friends for a very long time, Prometheus is too proud to stop criticizing Zeus and admit that he may have been wrong. He...

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• Grade Level: High School

... . He shows no mercy to his victims in battle because of his excessive anger. Book X has an especially grim tone as it tells of Aeneas's rage and revenge for the death of Pallas. After Aeneas kills Tarquitus, Virgil tells of Aeneas: Speaking above him from his pitiless heart: "Lie there now No gentle Mother will ever hide you in the earth ... explaining why he his leaving her. He at first gives poor excuses such as, "I never entered upon the pact of marriage" (p.107), and "Do not think I meant to be deceitful" (p.107). He follows by saying that Troy, not her, is the most important thing t...

• Word Count: 1391
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School