Preview

Comparison Between Homer's Iliad and Wolfgang Petersen's Troy Essay Example

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
888 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Comparison Between Homer's Iliad and Wolfgang Petersen's Troy Essay Example
The characterization of important figures in the film is different from the poem. Achilles for example, Homer portrays him as a formidable soldier in the Iliad, as if he was immortal but his disturbed, human being characteristics are showed in later chapters in the poem. On the other hand, Achilles is characterized as a hero in Troy. He is depicted as a respectable and laudable character in the film. One of the examples for such differences is showed in both the poem and the film, in the way Achilles treats Hector's body after he has killed him. In the Iliad, Achilles shows no emotion over Hector's death. After he has kills Hector, he ties Hector's body behind the chariot and drag him around the tomb of Patroclus for twelve days (24. 15-17). He only agrees to give the body to back King Priam after his mother persuades him with the condition of King Priam offers him a ransom (24.139-140). In Troy, however, the maltreatment of Hector's body is not shown except for the scene when Achilles drags the body back to his camp. Also, Achilles sympathizes with King Priam and willing to give the body back to King Priam unconditionally, and he even cries over Hector's body at one point. Besides, Achilles' role as a leader is highlighted in Troy. Under his leadership, him and his Myrmidons successfully seize the shore of Trojan in an afternoon. In the Iliad on the other hand, his leadership abilities is not mentioned. In Troy, Achilles is falling in love with Breseis and he is protecting her from harm and insult. In the end of the film, Achilles causes his own death while looking for her in the falling kingdom of Troy. In the Iliad, Archilles' role as a lover is only briefly mentioned by referring Briseis as his lover, (9.341-343) his fight with Agamemnon is mainly due to protecting his own honor when Agamemnon takes Briseis away from him. (1.355-356)
Hector's character as the greatest fighter among the Trojan is emphasized in both the film and poem. Hector kills Patroclus
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    How Does Achilles Criticize The Heroic Code In The Iliad
    • 367 Words
    • 2 Pages

    How Does Achilles Criticize The Heroic Code In The Iliad

    Achilles criticizes the “heroic code” in the Iliad. Achilles has an unusual double fate: he knows that if he goes home from Troy, he will have a long life without glory. If he stays, he will win great glory but his life will be cut short. One measure of the extraordinary experience Achilles is going through emerges from his refusal to abide by the customary rules of status, when he rejects Agamemnon’s offer in Book Nine. Both characters in the myth are fighting because Agamemnon has taken charge of Achilles’ Trojan slave named Briseis, claiming her as his property. Achilles has feelings for Briseis, which drives the plot in The Iliad. Achilles already despises Agamemnon, so this final act of disrespect causes Achilles…

    • 367 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Was "Troy" the Movie Accurate According to Homer Essay Example
    • 1801 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Was "Troy" the Movie Accurate According to Homer Essay Example

    1871 are of the city of Troy. If true, this excavation dates the burning of Troy to around…

    • 1801 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Achilles: Static Rage - Paper
    • 1400 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Achilles: Static Rage - Paper

    Homer’s Iliad is one of the greatest epics known to man. It is an epic of love, war, morals, tragedy, and friendship. While some say it is the story of Achilles’ metamorphosis into a strong man, one could also argue that Achilles stays under the influence of rage and pride. The Iliad’s central character changes very little over the entire course of the entire epic. At the beginning of the story and for the majority of the text, Achilles is seen as a selfish and arrogant young man. It is not until the end of the play that he seems to have changed into a new psychologically and emotionally mature adult, if at all. Throughout the Iliad, Achilles’ pride, and arrogance keep him from developing into a new more mature man, because his blind and unrelenting rage constantly consumes him.…

    • 1400 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Achilles Flaws In The Iliad
    • 841 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Achilles Flaws In The Iliad

    In the Iliad, the characters of Hector and Achilles carry similar traits, although a deeper investigation into each character will show some stark contrasts between the two. Victory and defeat is not the most telling sign as to which is the greater hero of the two. There are flaws within each character and each one fights to overcome them throughout the story. By the end, it is clear which one emerges as the most appropriate symbol of a hero. The character of Achilles is greater than the character of Hector because he was able to overcome more of his character flaws to become a more realistic portrayal of what a heroic character should be.…

    • 841 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Examples Of Achilles In The Iliad
    • 680 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Examples Of Achilles In The Iliad

    In Homer’s book The Iliad, Homer tells the story of the Trojan War with Achilles, the best Greek warrior. However, Achilles does not like Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, because he took Briseis (Briseis was a woman that Achilles had received as a war prize). This is the reason why Achilles was raged at Agamemnon. In a rage, Achilles wants to kill all of the Trojans, especially Hector, the best Trojan warrior. Patroclus, Achilles’ best friend goes out to the battle field as Achilles (wearing his armor), trying to kill Hector but instead Hector kills Patroclus thinking he has killed Achilles. When Achilles finds out about this, he is very mad and goes out to kill Hector himself. When he kills Hector, he is very arrogant about it. Only after this happens does Achilles get Briseis back from Agamemnon.…

    • 680 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    achilles and hector honorable
    • 984 Words
    • 4 Pages

    achilles and hector honorable

    Literary heroes have been important to stories and poems throughout history. Each author develops his hero through a unique writing style, combining conscious use of detail, diction, tone and other narrative techniques to outline a hero's personality. Homer, in his epic poem The Iliad, develops two classic heroes who are distinctly different at first glance, but upon closer inspection are very similar in terms of their basic characteristics. Hector and Achilles both are courageous soldiers, relatively honorable men, and respected leaders, but they also both have human failings that eventually lead to tragedy. In Homer's lyrical verses and in his use of detail, diction, meter and imagery, he paints his own portrait of a classic hero through the brave deeds as well as the human flaws of Hector and Achilles that eventually lead to the downfall of proud and powerful Hector.…

    • 984 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    The Little Mermaid Analysis
    • 2087 Words
    • 9 Pages

    The Little Mermaid Analysis

    To play the terrifying and intimidating Achilles, Peterson was able get Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt. With casting Pitt, Peterson was able to really emphasis what was found in Achilles during the duration of the epic. Which is why Peterson giving Pitt an additional scene in the movie where it seems as if Achilles has emotions. In the film, Achilles is seen to be grieving the death of a valiant warrior, Hector. Despite that, in The Iliad, Achilles who slaughters Hector, is not seen demonstrating any kind of sensitivity towards the Trojan warrior's demise. The expansion of emotions to Achilles' character again gives the entire drama aspect to the theme of the film. It makes Achilles appear like one of us, rather than the fierce warrior he is really portrayed as in the epic. This gives the modern audience a kind of sensitivity towards Achilles, who has lost his cousin Patrocles and now he has slaughtered the prince of Troy, who like him, cherished his family. Helen was in the end taken by Menelaus, and Menelaus was not executed by Hector. By doing this Petersen gave the film a kind of good guy gets the girl sort feeling, as Paris is appeared to be honest and safe, despite the fact that he brought about the war. In the film he might be seen as a legend sort character, although in the epic, he is seen as an antagonist type of…

    • 2087 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Achilles Runner
    • 871 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Achilles Runner

    Achilles is classic literatures' greatest characters ever engraved on paper. Achilles, son of Peleus, King of Myrmidons, and Thetis, sea nymph, comes to Troy as part of a Greek force led by King Agamemnon. Unlike most protagonists, Achilles does not develop significantly over the course of the epic. As the story unravels Achilles wrath for Agamemnon intensifies, but only after the death of Patroclus does he redirect his rage towards Hector. Achilles' bloodlust, wrath, and pride continue to consume him. As a result he mercilessly mauls his opponents and does not relent in this brutality until the last book when King Priam begs for the return of his son's desecrated corpse. Achilles embodies the characteristics…

    • 871 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Role Of Loyalty In The Odyssey
    • 622 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Role Of Loyalty In The Odyssey

    Through all of these relationships Homer continues to show loyalty. Readers are able to visualize a tortuous murder of Hector by Achilles. In this battle of cat and mouse, Homer continuously expresses Achilles hate towards Hector because Hector, son of Priam and prince of Troy, killed Achilles best friend Patroclus. In loyalty and revenge of his friends death Achilles finds it necessary to kill Hector In the most painful way possible. “ Achilles now exulted: “ Hector, had you thought that you could kill Patroclus and be safe?...The dogs and kites will rip your body. His (Patroclus) will lie in honor.”(Iliad 22:390-399) Although this might not be the best way to show loyalty and more like revenge, in Achilles mind set he is doing this to stay true to his friend. Priam, a father of 12 sons, tried to stay in respect of his son Hector.He wanted to him to have a proper burial , but Achilles seizes the body to feed to the wild dogs. Hector promises lord Achilles anything he wanted for the body, however Achilles stayed ruthless. Hector Furiously states, ‘Peace be with you even in the dark where death commands, Patroklos. Everything has been finished as I promised…Hector should not be eaten by wild dogs. (Iliad 206-210) This shows the high morals and loyalty Praim had towards his son. he is showing that he would do anything in return for his…

    • 622 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Odysseus A Leader Analysis
    • 1760 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Odysseus A Leader Analysis

    Homer portrays Achilles as a man with great strength and a true passion for fighting. Both Achilles and Odysseus represent the Greek ideals of what makes an epic hero. Their sense of duty, courage, and bravery is what allows them to be heroic leaders in their respective journeys and battles. They both encounter personal struggles and tests, but both have come out stronger. For example, Odysseus endures constant trials along his journey to return to Ithaca. He encounters turbulent weather, the loss of his men, and the continual wrath of Poseidon. Likewise, Achilles’ entire existence is a mixture of war, hardships, and trying to establish himself as an immortal Greek hero. Although they both follow different paths, the countless trials that they face led them both to become great leaders and solidify their status in Greek history. Though they share several similarities, their differences are both interesting and varied. One example is Achilles, who is an honorable man in the beginning of his journey but after the death of Patroclus, he becomes completely irrational and only desires to destroy his enemies. Odysseus is far more level-headed and truly desires to return to his home and his family. As a warrior, Achilles is known for being impulsive and revengeful. He is completely focused on demolishing his opponents and often lacks the human emotion to care for those around him.” In the…

    • 1760 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Thematic Essay
    • 1128 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Thematic Essay

    – Agamemnon feels dishonored by having to give up Chryseis, and he takes Briseis from Achilles to restore his honor. Achilles, in turn, feels his honor has been compromised by the loss of Briseis. – Hector ignores Andromache’s pleas to stop fighting because he believes he must defend the honor of Troy and thereby defend his honor as a warrior.…

    • 1128 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Achilles Pursuit Of Honor
    • 346 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Achilles Pursuit Of Honor

    Hector and Achilles both view the ethical code in contrasting ways. Hector believes and upholds the importance of honor, while Achilles doubts its relevance in life. The two warriors’ different motivation changed how they fought. Hector’s motivation for obtaining honor, his friends and family, show the duty he has to defend Troy. Duty, according to Homer, gives Hector purpose to life. Priam’s son has a stronger mind-set than Achilles when it comes to insecurities. While Hector acknowledges his fate by focusing on his obligation in obtaining the honor for his people, Achilles lets his fear of death and rage towards Agamemnon consume his actions. However, later in the poem, Achilles returns to battle after the death of Patroclus. Vengeance becomes the main focus of Achilles due to the guilt he feels about his dear friend’s death. He feels that he needs to defend Patroclus’ honor. As a result, Achilles refers back to the ethics and honor once he recognizes the guilt he feels. His return to believing in ethics provides Achilles with a purpose. Even though the two men’s opinion and motivation concerning honor vary, Homer emphasizes the differences to show its importance on the characters’ purpose in…

    • 346 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Achilles Changes
    • 564 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Achilles Changes

    The Iliad, a book by Homer about the Trojan War, focuses a lot on Achilles and his internal struggle with his personal desires. In the time of the Trojan War, there was an unspoken code of morals and how warriors of honor should follow. If they did not fight or acted cowardly it not only brought them shame but their family name was looked down on. Warriors that were defeated weren't always killed because they were sometimes taken prisoner to be used for ransom money or gifts. However, in the Iliad, Homer shows that sympathy rarely is evident in war.…

    • 564 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Honor In The Iliad Essay
    • 589 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Honor In The Iliad Essay

    Homer illustrates the theme of honor throughout many instances in “The Iliad”. “The Iliad” is about the characters and events surrounding the Trojan War. In the war the Greek soldiers fought against the Trojan soldiers. The Greeks were retaliating against the Trojan prince Paris who stole the Greek king Menelaus’ wife Helen. Agamemnon the brave and supercilious brother of Menelaus is a prominent Greek leader in the war. Agamemnon demonstrates the theme of honor through his desire for most booty and the finest spoils gained in the war. Hektor is also a brave warrior, however; he is a Trojan Prince, the son of King Priam. Unlike Agamemnon, Hektor’s ambitions are not to seek honor through war plunder, but to remain an honorable and noble warrior and husband. Lastly, there is Achilles, a Greek warrior who also seeks to achieve honor from attaining booty and leadership. Each of these characters depicts the theme of honor in “the Iliad” in a distinct way.…

    • 589 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Fate of Death- the Iliad,
    • 1087 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The Fate of Death- the Iliad,

    shows how great he is, he knows he is a fighter; and he knows better…

    • 1087 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More