Assess The Role Of Achilles Self-Discovery In The Iliad

Throughout the course of the Iliad, a major theme present was the process of self-discovery. Throughout the course of the poem, major events occur that either help or hinder the main character, Achilles, in his own process of self-discovery, something that he does accomplish by the end of the poem. From his arrogant beginning, to vengeful attacks, and finally a sense of humanity, Achilles truly understands the consequences of his actions and is able to have empathy and respect for others rather than just himself. In the beginning, Achilles was extremely hypocritical and arrogant. He saw himself as a greater man than everyone else, and therefore deserved to be treated as a king. Even King Agamemnon states “… but this man wants to be above all

While this is a positive step in his self-discovery journey, his motives for joining and his actions as a berserker show that he still has some growing to do. Achilles, rather than joining to assist his own army, joins to get his revenge on Hector for killing Patroclus. This revenge consumes him, turning him into a berserker, losing his sense of humanity. This “godly” interpretation of Achilles was first seen when he refused to eat until he had avenged Patroclus’s death, and the Gods filled him with nectar and ambrosia, the food of the Gods. Achilles also enters a rage of unhuman like behavior during his fight with Hector, stating “Would that my passion and spirit would drive me to devour you hacked-off flesh raw, such things you have done;” (22.346-347) after Hector makes the request that his body be buried properly after his death. This statement of cannibalism clearly shows Achilles is not in a right state of mind, and therefore is not making any progress towards his journey of

These funeral games allow Achilles to re-enter civility, with chariot races and other games. Achilles even manages to store away his pride and mend his relationship with Agamemnon, naming him the best spear thrower before the competition had even begun. While these activities do provide evidence of Achilles positive changes, he still is in possession of Hector’s body and desecrates it every morning. One of Achille’s final steps towards entering humanity again, and achieving self-discovery, is honoring Priam’s wish of returning Hector’s body so that the city of Troy can honor him properly. Priam appeals to Achille’s emotions towards his father, causing Achilles to empathize with Priam. The poem reads “And the two remembered, the one weeping without cessation for man-slaughtering Hector as he lay curled before Achille’s feet, and Achilles wept for his own father, and then again for Patroclus” (24.509-512). This emotion towards Priam, and surrendering Hectors body to be buried properly is a major step for Achilles, who was consumed with rage and needing revenge earlier. This allows Achilles to also see that many lives have been lost, and therefore grants the Trojans a reprieve from battle,