Thesis on "Iliad by Homer Chapter One Begins"

Thesis 4 pages (1190 words) Sources: 0

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Iliad by Homer

Chapter One begins with the a description of Achilles as an angry man whose anger caused his people, the Achaeans, a lot of casualties in their war against the Trojans when he initially refused to join them in their fight because of his pride and resentment against their leader, King Agamemnon. It goes on to recount the suffering of the Achaeans from pestilence brought by the god Apollo who had been displeased by the King. It also relays the fight between Achilles and Agamemnon which was set off by a dispute over Briseis, a woman captured in one of the wars who belonged to Achilles but whom Agamemnon coveted after he was forced to return his own captured woman slave Chryses.

Noting that the entire war between the Achaeans and the Trojans began with the elopement of Helen and Alexandros and Menelaos' efforts to get her back, one of the first recurring themes that may be found in the Book One would be how the question of to whom women's affections belong or even more literally, to whom they "belong" as spoils of war, can cause a lot of conflict among powerful men who let their emotions get the better of them and decide to involve the fate of their nations in their personal concerns. This idea must be viewed from the perspective of the patriarchal Greek culture which practiced the distribution of captured women in wars as slaves and spoils for the victorious soldiers.

In relation to this, one of the main recurring themes emerge. This theme revolves around how some men, with their power and influence over a nation, allow their temper, emotions, and personal grudges control or affect their decisions over the welfare and future of their people. This causes much conflict, violence, death, and suffering.

Indeed, as mentioned above, the war between the Achaeans and the Trojans began with one man's quest to forcibly get back the wife who had voluntarily left him for another man. The subsequent decisions made which lead to the Trojan War may have been subverted had the parties rationally reflected on the consequences of their actions and settled their personal dispute among themselves without involving their people. However, since the personalities involved were in leadership positions and used to availing the resources and support of their nations to get what they want, it must have been but natural for them to involve the fate of their people in their own private affairs.

Meanwhile, over and above the impulsive decisions and actions of men, the effect of the favor and disfavor of gods and goddesses also control the fate of nations and individuals is another recurring theme in the book. Numerous scenes where the gods and goddesses argue amongst themselves, Zeus against Hera, Athena against Zeus, and the like were recounted by Homer. Each would champion his/her favorite mortal who had faithfully worshipped them and strive to save the mortal from injury in war or guide the mortal to wisdom and prudent action. However, since not all the gods would be of one mind, there would always be disputes and ultimately it was Zeus' will and decisions that would prevail. It should be noted however that he would often still take into consideration the advice and the views of the other gods and goddesses as argued by his wife.

This was why he allowed the Trojans to be defeated and allowed Hector's death. This is also illustrated in the latter verses of Chapter One which depicts how Achilles' goddess mother, Thetis, invoked the help… READ MORE

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