For Better or Worse: Family in "The Iliad" Comparison Essay by nfcolbert

For Better or Worse: Family in "The Iliad"
A comparison of the families in Homer's "The Iliad".
# 152400 | 1,239 words | 2 sources | MLA | 2010 | US
Published on Feb 06, 2013 in Literature (Greek and Roman)


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Description:

This paper compares the two primary families, headed by Priam and Zeus, and highlights the similarities and differences in the composition of these families. The paper discusses the trouble-maker, the manipulator and the selfish one in both families, and describes how the sibling rivalry that bristles between Paris and Hector appears to infect the family of gods as well. The paper specifically points out the goodness of Hector, a hero fighting for the good of community and family, who is willing to sacrifice everything in defense of his home.

From the Paper:

"The sibling rivalry that bristles between Paris and Hector appears to infect the family of gods, as well. Aphrodite is Paris' champion, and Athena, along with her mother Hera, despise the Trojans. In one heated battle, Athena bestows upon Diomedes the ability to distinguish between god and mortal, and instructs him to not attack any of the gods, with one exception: "if Aphrodite daughter of Zeus slips into battle/she's the one to stab with your sharp bronze spear!" (Iliad 5.6-147). Athena also appears to have a running rivalry with Ares for Zeus' approval. Zeus' dislike for the god of war is evident in his instruction to "Launch Athena against him--" (Iliad 5.879). Since Ares has taken the side of the Trojans, Athena has no trouble seeing to Ares' suffering, ensuring that Ares is painfully speared in the bowels (Iliad 5.989-991). When Ares complains to Zeus of his sister Athena's behavior, Zeus chides him, and compares him to Hera, Zeus' wife and Ares mother, a goddess of "uncontrollable rage" (Iliad 5.1033). She is a woman, by Zeus' own admission, who is difficult to control."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Homer. The Iliad. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books, 1990. Print.
  • Knox, Bernard. Introduction. The Iliad. By Homer. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books, 1990. 3-64. Print.

Cite this Comparison Essay:

APA Format

For Better or Worse: Family in "The Iliad" (2013, February 06) Retrieved December 10, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/comparison-essay/for-better-or-worse-family-in-the-iliad-152400/

MLA Format

"For Better or Worse: Family in "The Iliad"" 06 February 2013. Web. 10 December. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/comparison-essay/for-better-or-worse-family-in-the-iliad-152400/>

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