Macbeth Vs Achilles

For as long as people have been creating stories, they have been telling the tale of heroes: larger-than-life figures whose deeds and qualities inspire awe and praise. Two of the most excellent examples of archetypal heroes are Achilles of Homer’s “The Iliad” and “Macbeth” of William Shakespeare’s tragedy of the same name. Although both of these men demonstrate qualities such as courage, honor, resilience, and so on, they do so in incompatible ways. In this essay, we will show how Achilles and Macbeth exhibit those characteristics and argue that Achilles is the archetypal hero superior of the two because of his steadfast dedication to his principles and readiness to face great adversity.

Characteristic 1: Bravery Achilles embodies bravery

His honor is best evidenced by his refusal to forsake his comrades on the battlefield, even when he had an opportunity to escape. For instance, he refuses Patroclus’s pact agreement: “Run away by all means if your heart drives you, I will not entreat you to stay for my sake”. This refusal to abandon his friend Patroclus, despite the impending danger, illustrates Achilles' unwavering commitment to honor and loyalty. An analysis of this quote reveals Achilles' prioritization of duty over personal safety, emphasizing his adherence to his principles even in the face of great risk.On the other hand, Macbeth’s concept of honor is driven by excessive ambition and declining moral rules. He expresses bad honor when he kills King Duncan, who had every right to rule Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s plot for power. Body 3: Characteristic 3: Resilience Achilles proves to be quite a strong person throughout the information. Despite facing the unbearable backdrop of the Trojan War and loss, Achilles maintains his strength to win. For example, his insistence on returning Briseis is a demonstrated character of resilience: “Even as Apollo takes away my Chryseis, I shall take your fair cheeked Briseis, your war prize”. Achilles' determination to reclaim Briseis, despite the gods' interference, showcases his resilience in the face of adversity. An analysis of this quote reveals Achilles' refusal to be defeated by circumstances beyond his control, highlighting his unwavering resolve to assert his agency and uphold his honor. In contrast, Macbeth succumbs to remorse and guilt, losing all his spirits and succumbing to guilt. Therefore, he maintains a trace of madness, and then his death