"The Iliad"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Book 22 of Homer's "The Iliad". Specifically, the paper discusses the final duel in which the prince of Troy, Hector, is killed by the greatest warrior of the Greek army, Achilles. The paper describes the imagery, particularly the symbolism of prey and predator, destiny and sexuality that is expressed in "The Iliad" and the way that these concepts are portrayed in Book 22.

From the Paper:

"However, when Zeus weighs the destiny of both Achilles and Hector on the golden scale, it is shown that Hector's fate is to die, and Apollo leaves his side, (Book 22, Lines 180-200) When Hector realizes that Achilles will indeed prevail in their battle, he proclaims that his time to die has come as it was decided it would long ago by the gods. (Book 22, Lines 295-310) After Hector dies, Achilles responds to the Trojan's last words of how he will be cursed by welcoming his own destiny as the gods will make it. (Book 22, Lines 355-365) The gods are seen to play an integral role in the fulfillment of destiny. The gods interfere with the happenings of the mortals, for example Apollo taunting Achilles and aiding Hector in fleeing, or Athena tricking Hector into standing his ground in battle. Even the gods, however, are subject to the destiny that is determined by the golden scales, and even Apollo backed off and allowed Hector to die when it was shown this was his fate."

More papers on "The Iliad":

• Comparison Essay # 120688 : "The Iliad" and "The Aeneid": A Comparison"
• Analytical Essay # 85775 : "Shame in "The Iliad"
• Poem Review # 144007 : "Homer's "The Iliad"
• Book Review # 96303 : "Homer's "The Iliad"--An Analysis"

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