ipl-logo

Similarities Of Imperishability In Literature

2157 Words9 Pages

The Varieties of Imperishable and Imperishability: What are they?
In literature, the concept of imperishability refers to the quality of being eternal and to transcend time, something that endures beyond the physical world. To meet the criteria for imperishability, a piece of literature must fulfill certain universal standards of quality, longevity, and influence. Despite a classic not being a bestseller today, what sets it apart is that any person who has access to it can always learn from it and become inspired by it.
Imperishability in literature often reflects the idea that the things that endure are those that are whole and express the fullness of life, beauty, experiences, lessons, and love. This can be seen in various forms of imperishability …show more content…

In Iliad, Achilles was given a choice between living a long but unremarkable life or choosing to fight in the Trojan War, which would lead to either death or eternal glory. He risks his life to gain "kleos aphthiton," which means "imperishable glory" and will secure his position in history. Achilles understood that the "great risk" that he was faced with would not only involve physical danger, but also the possibility of living an ordinary life without any …show more content…

Thetis tells Achilles that he has a choice between two destinies: to stay at home and live a long, comfortable life, or to go to Troy to fight and die gloriously. Thetis believes that he should choose the path of glory, even if it means a short life. She says to him: "My son, your father, if he lives to see you come back, will give you fine gifts, three times over, the best there are, and will happily give still more. And now go to war, if you must go, with all your heart, and win glory for me, for yourself, and for your father. Do not let the fact that you have a short life keep you from glory, my son." Thetis knows that Achilles is a great warrior, and she wants him to fulfill his

Show More
Related
881 Words | 4 Pages

After his death, Achilles contradicts the ideal of dying honorably and obtaining kleos. Achilles states that he would rather “slave on earth for another man--/some dirt-poor tenant farmer who scrapes to keep alive --/ than rule down here over all the breathless dead” (11.555-558). Achilles believes that life is more precious than immortal glory. Achilles contradicts the supreme value of kleos in the Iliad. Initially, he once believed that glory was more much important than life.

Read More
1286 Words | 6 Pages

But if you go to Troy, you will never come back... for your glory walks hand-in-hand with your doom. And I shall never see you again” (Troy). Said by Thetis, Achilles mother. Even though Achilles was warned by his mother that is he went to Troy he will be remembered, but he will die, he still held his own. There was no price too high to pay for fame,

Read More
813 Words | 4 Pages

Kleos means personal glory he earned this glory on the numerous attacks he led against the outlying Trojan cities and then when he pushed the Trojans back to their walls and killed the stallion breaking Hector. Achilles’ mother Thetis told Achilles that Achilles could either continue to fight and die in battle gloriously or, return to Achaea and live to be an old man but be forgotten “Mother tells me, the immortal goddess Thetis with her glistening feet, that two fates bear me on to the day of death. If I hold out here and I lay siege to Troy, my journey home is gone, but my glory never dies. If I voyage back to the fatherland I love, my pride, my glory dies” (Homer, 265). He valued kleos so high that he continued to fight even after this warning.

Read More
568 Words | 3 Pages

The Embargo Act of 1807 took place in the times of the Napoleonic Wars. These wars took place from 1803-1815 and consisted of fighting between the french and the european powers over various global conflicts. In these wars Napoleon conquered and ruled a large portion of Europe. The British wanted this no longer because of the political and social impact he had on not only them but also, the world.

Read More
792 Words | 4 Pages

Misopeliades tell the men that he thinks it’s a bad idea for Achilles to go and fight in war because he never does anything right. Misopeliades feels Achilles will only make things worse than what they are already. Misopeliades thinks he is only thinking of going to the war because he wants to be seen as respected by his people. The whole war wouldn’t be as bad if Achilles didn’t become so enraged over such a little situation.

Read More
629 Words | 3 Pages

Achilles believes that even the meekest life exceeds the most honorable death. This encounter makes Odysseus realize he values his life over glory, making him more cautious and less likely to act out of pride. Though his experiences at sea chip away at his pride, Odysseus’ most distinct display of humility occurs after he arrives at Ithaca. Athena disguises Odysseus as an old beggar to safely let him reach his kingdom. “He resolved, however, to endure it and keep himself in check.”

Read More
541 Words | 3 Pages

reward wasn't to become immortal but to be a great king to his people in Uruk . Achilles was the son of King Peleus and sea goddess Thetis. Achilles mother wanted her son

Read More
977 Words | 4 Pages

If I return home to my dear fatherland / My glory is lost but my life will be long,” (Il. 9.325-328). Neither Achilles or Nicias are successful in staying out of battle, both getting dragged into fighting a war they don’t believe

Read More
1051 Words | 5 Pages

Agamemnon’s taking of Briseis enrages Achilles and spurs him to remove himself from the war, leading to a massive death toll in the Achaean forces. In stealing Briseis from Achilles, he is not only robbing of him of a material prize, but also a symbol of honor, his geras, in Greek culture. In retaliation, Achilles removes himself from the war and prays to his mother, Thetis, that she will ask Zeus to damage the Achaean forces. Achilles’ only goal is that “even mighty Atrides can see how mad he was to disgrace Achilles” (1.488-490). Despite having no true grievance against the Achaean army as a whole, Achilles’ rage blinds him from the potential harm that may befall his troops.

Read More
1381 Words | 6 Pages

If I stay here and fight before the city of Troy, there will be no home- coming for me but my fame shall never die; if I go home to my native land, there will be no great fame for me, but I shall live long and not die an early death.” (Homer 110) This shows that he is selfishness and fearful at the same time of losing and dying in the war. In the very beginning of the Iliad, King Agamemnon and Achilles have an argument for a couple of different reasons. After, the Achians won a battle against a city that was allied with the Trojans each of them received a prize consisted of a young woman from the war.

Read More
1570 Words | 7 Pages

Now I must go to look for the destroyer of my great friend. I shall confront the dark dear spirit of death at any hour Zeus and the other gods may wish to make an end (Q 65-68). Here, Achilles shows fearlessness and audacity in his acceptance of death. However, he accepted his fate, to avenge the killer of his friend Patroclus.

Read More
394 Words | 2 Pages

Achilles is maddened and appeals to his goddess mother saying, “If I am to die soon, shouldn’t I have what I want?” Feeling only sorrow for her son, Thetis requests Zeus to cause to Greeks to lose until Achilles fights again. Slowly the Greeks are pushed back farther and Agamemnon pleads with Achilles, offering Briseis back. Achilles declines due to his pride and the Trojans come close to burn the Greek ships. Even when a ship was burning, Achilles refused to fight and instead sends out Patroclus.

Read More
1785 Words | 8 Pages

(R 23-35). The Greeks hearing Achilles return, gain strength, will and perseverance to carry on the war. The responsibility that Achilles takes plays massive role, affecting the men 's actions throughout the

Read More
1395 Words | 6 Pages

In grief Achilles wants to fight Hector for what he did. Hector has two choices, either to fight Achilles or hide behind the walls of Troy. Hector exclainms doubtedly “What shall I do? If I retreat behind these walls, … And now that I have ruined them all by my rashness, I am ashamed to face the men and women of Troy, or some base fellows may say-Hector thought too much of his own strength, and ruined us all!”

Read More
1512 Words | 7 Pages

Iliad is recognized as one of the most famous ancient monuments of literature. The full understanding of this epic poem is hardly possible without thorough analysis of its main characters. Among all the episodes of the Trojan War, Homer chooses the moment of Achilles’ wrath and thus creates a poem in which he becomes the central figure. From the Ancient Greeks’ point of view, Achilles represents the ideal of manliness and pure heroism, for he is brave and fights for heroics, not profits. Today, one can agree with this interpretation, yet Achilles is probably the most controversial character because he combines various personality traits and acts in accordance with his ambiguous nature.

Read More

More about Similarities Of Imperishability In Literature

Related Topics

Open Document