Analysis of Achilles' Personality Growth in Homer's the Iliad

Achilles, the famous mythological war hero, is the central character in The Iliad. It is his storyline that creates the essence of the epic war written by Homer. Although it may seem that the main theme is about the dominance, gruesomeness, and destruction of Troy when the poem is first read, this is not the main focus. It is in The Iliad, that we see how Achilles transforms from youth to maturity; and grows through undergoing permanent and fundamental personality changes from a ferocious warrior in the beginning to a more reserved and hospitable man by the end of the poem. Homer constructed the epic story of Troy as a representation of proper behavior. As a result, he wrote and composed the type of literature where people could refer back to the history of Greece with respect. As Homer strongly focuses on the realm of heroes, he introduces the main and forceful character Achilles. Though there is no actual chronological order while reading the books in The Iliad, it is evident in book nine that Achilles' true rage comes into light. "Many a sleepless night I've bivouacked in harness, Day after bloody day I've hacked my passage through, fighting other soldiers to win their wives as prizes. Twelve cities of men I've stormed and sacked from shipboard, eleven I claim by land, on the fertile earth of Troy." (9.395-9)
Even though his mother, Thetis is a goddess and his father, Peleus is a mere mortal, Achilles shows the greatest military skill and true passion of killing of any Achaean. He possessed the supreme fighting ability of all Trojan and Achaean warriors. On the battle field, he is known for his ruthless strategies of killing and his persona throughout warfare is interpreted as an unstoppable killing force filled with pride because he allowed no one to come in his way. Because he longed for glory so he would be remembered by people in the future, he agreed to join the forces of Agamemnon to swiftly fulfill his own desires. Achilles' selfish

Bibliography: Homer, The Iliad, translated by R. Fagles (New York, 1990)