Disrespectful Nature Of Achilles

Although noble heroes maintain these qualities to their fullest capabilities, there are instances when a hero’s followers still revere him even if he acts dishonorably. For example, when Achilles dismembers Hector’s body, his warriors help Achilles disgrace Hector’s body when they “stood there / Stabbing their spears into him, smirking” (134). Despite the disrespectful nature of Achilles’ actions, the Greek army loyally participate in the vile dismantling of Hector’s carcass and the Greek tradition that values allowing the enemy to return their fallen to the families of the warriors. Contradicting the argument that a dishonorable hero receives no veneration from his supporters, his followers still honor him enough to destroy Hector’s body because