Iliad :: Literary Analysis, Homer

The Iliad Comparison and Contrast of Achilles and Hector When audiences read Homer’s Iliad, we find that this epic tale is centered around the Greek and the Trojan War. We notice in this tale, that Achilles of the Greeks and Hector of the Trojans carry the title of greatest warrior for their perspective armies, both men are an inspiration for their countrymen in this battle. Each man shows us their strengths and weaknesses, which we will use as points of comparison and contrast between the two heroic men. When reviewing the two men, we find that there are actually very few comparison points. However the common points we do find are critical in describing the characters of both men. One major comparison is that both men are warriors and known as fierce fighters. Agamemnon describes Achilles as â€Å"the most violent man alive (pg. 123).† Achilles himself describes Hector as â€Å"man-killing Hector (pg. 126)†. Another key similarity is that for both men, their fates are influenced by the Gods. Achilles was very angry with Agamemnon because of the situation with the priest’s daughter. Achilles vowed to Agamemnon that he would no longer follow him in battle, bringing home a pittance of the spoils while Agamemnon always brought home the lions share. Agamemnon answered back that he would give back the priests daughter but in return for his loss, he would take Achilles spoil, Briseis. Achilles is gripped with rage and strongly considers killing Agamemnon on the spot, â€Å"should he draw the long sharp sword slung at his hip, thrust through the ranks and kill Agamemnon now? – or check his rage and beat his fury down (pg. 124 – 125)?† Although still extremely angry, Achilles listens to the voice of Athena and pulls back his fury, â€Å"†¦a man submits though his heart breaks with fury. Better for him by far. If a man obeys the gods they’re quick to hea r his prayers (pg. 125).† For Hector, his godly influence is Zeus. He is even described as â€Å"dear to Zeus (pg. 141).† He constantly prays to Zeus and seeks his guidance. He curses his brother Paris to Zeus because he blames Paris for causing the war between Troy and the Achaeans, â€Å"let the earth gape and swallow him on the spot! A great curse Olympian Zeus let live and grow†¦that man – if I could see him bound for the House of Death, I could say my heart had forgot its wrenching grief (pg.